Gaffney refused to give exact reason for omission.
Staunton, who has been first choice out-half in the absence of World Cup tied Ronan O’Gara, was left out for “disciplinary reasons.”
He has been replaced by Jason Holland who moves from the centre and Conrad O’Sullivan is included in the team, the only alteration from the team that defeated the Celtic Warriors in Limerick last Friday.
Coach Alan Gaffney declined to give the exact reason why Staunton was omitted but admitted that it was for a disciplinary matter.
“What happened was totally out of character but needed to be addressed. It was dealt with in-house and that is the end of the matter as far as I am concerned,” he said yesterday.
Staunton’s omission gives a rare opportunity to young UL/Bohemians centre Keith Matthews, who has been brought onto the reserves bench instead of the promoted O’Sullivan.
Matthews’ UL/Bohs partner and Irish under 21 colleague Barry Murphy has already been given runs for Munster in the Celtic League.
On this occasion, because O’Sullivan is comfortable at either centre or out half, Gaffney opted for the highly talented Matthews.
“Barry Murphy and Keith are good lads who have come through the under-age structure.
“ It’s an opportunity for Keith now, and anyway he is no stranger to the other players. He has trained with us a number of times.”
Gaffney is looking forward to the tussle and believes Munster are capable of winning: “Edinburgh are an unpredictable side. the type of side capable of anything. They’re a bit all over the place, good one week and bad the next.
“Ulster beat them comprehensively a few weeks back but there was little or nothing between the teams for well over 40 minutes.
“We will certainly give them a huge degree of respect.” Ulster coach Alan Solomons has made just one change to his side which defeated Cardiff 32-7 last Friday at Ravenhill for the clash with Connacht on Saturday.
Tyrone Howe’s departure for the World Cup means that Scott Young steps up to the starting line-up with new signing Paul Steinmetz named on the bench.
Ulster top the Celtic League table but with Connacht in third place, Ulster won’t be taking this match at the Sports Ground lightly.
“Every game is a big game and of course there is a derby element when we play any of the Irish provinces. Connacht are definitely up for this match.”
MUNSTER: D. Crotty, M. McPhail, M. Mullins, C. O’Sullivan, C. O’Sullivan, M. Lawlor, J. Holland, E. Reddan, S. Kerr, A. Long, F. Roche, T. Hogan, S. Keogh, D. Leamy, J. Williams (captain), C. McMahon.
Replacements. E. McGovern, J. Blaney, D. Sheehan, T. Hayes, F. Murphy, K. Matthews, C. Casey.
ULSTER: B. Cunningham, J. Topping, R. Constable, S. Stewart, S. Young, A. Larkin, K. Campbell, B. Young, M. Sexton, R. Moore, M. Mustchin, M. McCullough, A. Ward (captain), T. McWhirter, N. Best.
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