Ireland’s four provinces are facing an almost impossible task in their respective bids to push beyond the pool stages of the Champions Cup, never mind win it.

Munster coach Declan Kidney has made three changes to his Munster side that meets Ospreys in the Magners League at Thomond Park tomorrow evening.

PAUL O’CONNELL makes his long awaited return when he leads Munster against Connacht in the Celtic League at Thomond Park this evening, kick-off 7.35pm.

DECLAN Kidney didn’t believe Munster’s clinical 33-9 demolition of Leinster at Musgrave Park yesterday was the ideal dress rehearsal for the first outing in the Heineken European Cup at Sale on Saturday week.