Sweeping changes for Munster

In total, he has made fourteen changes, two positional, from the side that started against Leinster last time out, yet such is the strength in depth of the squad, it still looks a formidable selection backed up by a strong bench.

In a completely changed backline Shaun Payne returns for the first time since the Cardiff defeat at The Arms Park while Barry Murphy makes his first senior start of the season in the centre alongside Kieran Lewis. Doug Howlett makes way for Brian Carney on the right wing while Anthony Horgan will win his 143rd competitive cap on the opposite wing.

In the absence of the injured Ronan O'Gara, Paul Warwick wears the number 10 jersey, partnered as he was at the end of the Leinster game by Tomas O'Leary with the man O'Leary replaced that day, Peter Stringer, happily listed among the replacements.

Up front Tony Buckley switches to the more familiar tighthead position with Federico Pucciariello at loose and Frank Sheahan in between. Mick O'Driscoll gets the nod ahead of Donncha O'Callaghan in front of a back-row of Niall Ronan, Donnacha Ryan and Denis Leamy.

Listed among the replacements are Jeremy Manning and Keith Earls who have both been in scintillating form for the respective clubs, Cork Con and Garryowen in the AIL.

Munster: Shaun Payne; Brian Carney, Barry Murphy, Kieran Lewis, Anthony Horgan; Paul Warwick; Tomas O'Leary; Federico Pucciariello, Frank Sheahan,Tony Buckley; Mick O'Driscoll, Paul O'Connell capt; Donnacha Ryan, Niall Ronan, Denis Leamy. Replacements: Marcus Horan, Jerry Flannery, Anthony Foley, David Wallace, Peter Stringer, Jeremy Manning, Keith Earls.