Munster hit with double blow

Both wings Doug Howlett and Ian Dowling had been struggling with injuries coming into the game, but coach Tony McGahan had hoped they would be fit to start in the repeat of the 2006 final and had initially named them in his side.

But both failed to come through today's Captain's Run at Thomond Park and were withdrawn.

McGahan had already been forced to leave out skipper Paul O'Connell because of his on-going groin problem and the loss of the experienced All Black Howlett and double Heineken Cup winner Dowling is another big blow.

Liefemi Mafi moves onto the right wing from the replacements bench, where he played so well last weekend against the Ospreys, while Denis Hurley takes over on the left wing.

Tom Gleeson comes onto the bench to replace Mafi.