Having been released from Ireland’s Carton House training camp, Ronan O'Gara will take his place on the starting XV for Munster's RaboDirectPRO12 game against Cardiff Blues at the Arms Park on Friday (7.05pm).

Donncha O'Callaghan will not feature in Munster’s RaboDirectPRO12 game against Treviso in Thomond Park tonight (8pm) as his wife has been admitted to Cork University Hospital and is expected to give birth to their second child.

Felix Jones should be reflecting on a first training session in New Zealand and cherishing memories of Ireland’s colourful welcome to Queenstown.

Tomas O’Leary and John Hayes will have to settle for a place on the substitute’s bench for Munster’s opening RaboDirectPRO12 match against the Newport Gwent Dragons at Musgrave Park on Saturday night.