Munster's Tomas O'Leary and Barry Murphy have held off the challenge of fast-healing Peter Stringer and Rob Henderson to make their Heineken Cup debuts away to Sale Sharks this Friday.

AS big as it gets. That’s the way Munster coach Declan Kidney is approaching tomorrow evening’s opening Heineken Cup clash of the season with high-flying Sale, the current leaders of England’s Guinness Premiership and a team blessed with a whole raft of international players including as many as six Lions.

Peter Stringer will be the main casualty from Munster's preparation for Leinster's visit to Musgrave Park on Sunday.

Munster have included former great Britain Rugby League star Gary Connolly and Anthon Pitout in their Heineken Cup squad ahead of the September 29 registration deadline.