Dowling Back For Munster

Dowling who had been in a rich vein of form injured a knee in that game against Connacht but is included in a starting XV alongside Mick O'Driscoll whose introduction in the international against France last weekend co-incided with a dramatic turn around in Ireland's fortune. His colleague from that day Peter Stringer and Tony Buckley are also named in the Munster pack as is Alan Quinlan.

Edinburgh lie third in the table thanks to four succcessive League wins leaving Munster coach Declan Kidney under no illusions about the task facing his side, "This is a huge game for us at what is a very important stage of the season. Their record here at Murayfield in both Magners League and Heineken Cup has been very impressive. They've built up good momentum and so we're under no illusions about the task we face.

"Earlier losses at home," continued Kidney, "means we have to win games on the road and this is never an easy place to come to do that. But our preparation has gone well, the lads have worked hard and I've no doubt they'll give it a good shot."

Munster: S Payne; D Howlett, R Tipoki, L Mafi, I Dowling; P Warwick, P Stringer; F Pucciariello, F Sheahan, T Buckley; M O'Driscoll, D Ryan, A Quinlan, N Ronan, A Foley capt.
Replacements: D Fogarty, Darragh Hurley, P O'Connell, J Coughlan, T O'Leary, J Manning, K Lewis.