In-form Hurley to make home debut

DENIS HURLEY makes his home Magners League debut for Munster against Glasgow Warriors at Musgrave Park this evening (5.30pm).

The 22-year-old Cork Constitution star makes his second start for the province almost a year after his first appearance away to Llanelli Scarlets.

Hurley is in for Brian Carney, with Denis Leamy replacing John O’Sullivan — the only changes from the side that played Edinburgh last week.

Paul O’Connell, who produced a Man of the Match performance in the victory at Murrayfield, wants to end the season on a winning note.

“It’s a pity that we don’t have a say in where the trophy ends up. A few disappointing results early on has us where we are, and maybe that’s a good lesson for us. But we’ve won three in a row now and I think it’s really important for us to put in another strong performance,” he said.

Glasgow Warriors coach Sean Lineen can boast better than that — four wins in succession and scalps including title contenders Leinster and Ospreys.

He said: “It’s our last match of the season and we’re up against a side who never say die, so we can’t take our eye off the ball. But we’re 100% committed to taking a win from this match and there is genuine pride and passion in the Warriors jersey. Munster always provide the utmost challenge, even when they’re not at full strength. Now that they’re back to being able to name close to their strongest side, it means we will have to step up a gear.

“It won’t be easy, because I imagine they will be all fired up and determined to finish off their season on a positive note. Okay, we’re only looking at a top four finish, but it would be a good way to conclude the season for either team. From our point of view, it would also be nice to pick off another of the top-ranked teams in such close proximity.”

Glasgow have five changes, one positional, to the side that beat the Ospreys 29-26 at Hughenden last Friday.

“We’re tinkering with the side, making sure that guys are given an opportunity, particularly those coming back from injury,” said Lineen.

MUNSTER: D. Hurley, A. Horgan, B. Murphy, L. Mafi, I. Dowling, R. O’Gara, T. O’Leary, F. Pucciariello, F. Sheahan, T. Buckley, M. O’Driscoll, P. O’Connell (captain), A. Quinlan, A. Foley, D. Leamy.

Replacements: D. Fogarty, F. Roche, D. O’Callaghan, J. O’Sullivan, B. O’Meara, J. Manning, M. Lawlor.

GLASGOW WARRIORS: F. Leonelli, R. Lamond, G. Morrison, S. Barrow, T. Evans, D. Parks, G. Beveridge, J. Va’a, S. Lawson, M. Low, A. Newman, A. Kellock (captain), S. Swindall, J. Beattie, D. MacFadyen.

Replacements: F. Thompson, K. Tkachuk, J. Eddie, J. Barclay, A. Wilson, C. Gregor, H. O’Hare.