Jacobsen reclaims place at Coalface

The 29-year-old prop's World Cup adventure came to a premature end when he tore his calf muscle against Portugal in Scotland's opening match of the tournament in September.

As a result, the Edinburgh-born front rower was expected to be out until early November, but his dogged determination has led to a rapid recovery and he has been duly rewarded with a recall.

Head coach Andy Robinson believes the fans' favourite, nicknamed 'Chunk', will boost an all-Scotland front row that also features hooker Ross Ford and prop Gavin Kerr.

Robinson said: "As I've said before, there is lots of competition for places in the squad. Chunk worked really hard to get himself tremendously fit for the World Cup before he picked that injury up.

"I've been told he is the best shape of his life which is tremendous and he hasn't let that go. After the disappointment, it could have been easy for him to suddenly let that slip, but he has worked really hard.

"Craig Smith is unfortunately out with a sore calf, so to have someone of the calibre of Chunk to come in was really pleasing for the squad.

"There is another change because Ali Warnock will be playing for his club side, so we have brought Phil Godman in. Ali hasn't had a lot of rugby this season, so instead of him sitting on the bench again we are able to mix that up."

Following his Edinburgh debut at Connacht last Friday, rookie stand off David Blair has been given another chance to shine as Edinburgh's chief playmaker and Robinson hopes the 22-year-old will pass another big test with flying colours.

He added: "He will be another test for him to start at Munster. At Musgrave Park he will be putting himself up against the best and Munster will have their full complement of internationals back."

Fellow Scotland prop Craig Smith is ruled out with a calf problem and Argentina international front rower Augusto Allori provides cover on the bench.

Meanwhile, versatile back-rower/winger Roland Reid is absent from club duties as the Scotland international is getting married in South Africa with Fergus Pringle moving to the bench.

Edinburgh team:
Hugo Southwell, Andrew Turnbull, Ben Cairns, Nick De Luca, Simon Webster, David Blair, Mike Blair; Gavin Kerr, Ross Ford, Craig Smith, Craig Hamilton, Ben Gissing, Allister Hogg (captain), Ross Rennie, Simon Cross.

Replacements:
Andrew Kelly, Augusto Allori, Matt Mustchin, Fergus Pringle, Ben Meyer, Phil Godman, John Houston.