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A dozen have been recruited and a dozen have failed to take centre stage, but Munster will hope All Black Francis Saili can finally provide a remedy for their midfield woes.

Former Munster centre James Downey has joined English Premiership side Wasps on loan from Glasgow Warriors for the rest of the season. 

Glasgow Warriors and Munster are in the same frame of mind going into today’s top of the table Guinness Pro 12 encounter at Scotstoun, kick-off 2.40.

The new rugby season could hardly have begun in a more contrasting fashion for Anthony Foley and Steve Tandy, the respective head coaches of Munster and Ospreys who renew their rivalry in the Guinness Pro 12 at Thomond Park this evening, kick-off 6.30pm.

Robbie Henshaw will make his 50th appearance for Connacht when he starts for them against Glasgow Warriors on Friday night.

When James Downey and Casey Laulala, Munster’s first-choice centre partnership last season, were finding it increasingly difficult to break down defences, coach Rob Penney acceded to the player’s wishes and experimented with Denis Hurley, normally a wing or full-back, in the number 12 jersey.

Munster signing Andrew Smith has an eye for an opportunity and with midfield vacancies up for grabs this season the former Brumbies centre is looking to make a speedy impression.

Veterans Donncha O’Callaghan and BJ Botha provide the experience in an otherwise youthful side chosen by new Munster head coach Anthony Foley for tomorrow’s pre-season friendly against Gloucester at Kingsholm (3pm).

Anthony Foley has been waiting for this week ever since his appointment as head Munster coach, and now that the first game of the new season — albeit a friendly against Gloucester at Kingsholm on Saturday — is almost here, the buzz about the man and all those around him was only too apparent at Cork IT yesterday.

Munster rugby fans will hardly have had time to digest their Christmas dinner when they will be heading to Thomond Park on St Stephen’s Day for the Guinness Pro 12 fixture that captures their attention more than any other – the visit of arch rivals Leinster to their famous Limerick headquarters.

Munster chief executive Garrett Fitzgerald has confirmed there has been a delay to development of the province’s training base at the University of Limerick.

Another Munster campaign reaches its conclusion without silverware or even a final appearance to show for all the sweat, toil and trouble, leaving incoming head coach Anthony Foley and his squad with plenty to ponder over the summer months.

RABO DIRECT PRO 12:

Damien Varley retains the captaincy for Munster's PRO12 semi-final against Glasgow Warriors on Friday night at Scotstoun Stadium, ko 7.35pm.

Munster put some gloss on a losing weekend yesterday when the province announced the capture of former New Zealand Junior World Cup-winning captain Tyler Bleyendaal on a three-year contract.

Munster 17 Ulster 19

Munster 17 Ulster 19

There’s two things you must consider after this game: Munster could have won the Heineken Cup this year, but to win a European Champions Cup next season, they will have to invest wisely.

Toulon 24 Munster 16

James Downey believes Munster’s proud Heineken Cup history can be an important factor behind their bid to reach a fifth European final on Sunday.

Damien Varley will captain Munster as they meet Toulon in the Heineken Cup semi-final at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille.

In a market that is set to become even more competitive given increased revenues from their domestic and European broadcast deals, the English and French clubs are set to make life a lot more difficult for the Irish provinces.

Munster warmed up for their Heineken Cup semi-final against Toulon with a bonus-point 32-23 victory over provincial rivals Connacht.

ATTITUDE

RABO DIRECT PRO12:

Head Coach Rob Penney has made nine changes for tomorrow's Sportsground showdown against Connacht at 6.15pm.

Glasgow Warriors became the first Scottish team to win away at Munster in six years as they took the scalp of the Heineken Cup semi-finalists with a 22-5 victory at Thomond Park today.

In terms of injuries, it’s a mixed bag for Munster as the business end of the season approaches.

Charlie Mulqueen rates the Munster men's performance on the day.

Munster have been given a boost ahead of today’s Heineken Cup quarter-final against Toulouse after captain Peter O’Mahony was included in Rob Penney’s team to face the four-time champions at Thomond Park (1:30pm).

Memo to Munster fans from Ronan O'Gara : Get into Thomond Park a good 45 minutes before tomorrow’s Heineken Cup quarter-final.

By Peter O’ Dwyer

Munster could be poised to mix up their midfield for tomorrow’s RaboDirect Pro12 top-of-the-table clash with Leinster by including Denis Hurley at inside centre.

Munster 14 Treviso 3

Munster 14 Treviso 3

RABO DIRECT PRO12:

Ospreys 11 Munster 25

Ospreys 11 Munster 25

While it’s a bit premature yet to suggest the good days are back for Munster, there is no question Rob Penney is making a significant impact on the continued development of his side.

Keith Earls became the latest frontline Ireland player to sign a new IRFU contract, but will face an anxious wait to see whether he will play any part in the upcoming RBS 6 Nations.

Munster 38 Edinburgh 6

HEINEKEN CUP POOL 6:

Munster head coach Rob Penney has kept faith with fly-half Ian Keatley to regain his form and steer the province to victory over Gloucester at Kingsholm tonight (6pm).