Kidney banks on experience in opener

DECLAN Kidney yesterday demonstrated his conservatism by recalling a couple of thirty-somethings to his back division for this evening’s Heineken Cup clash with London Wasps at the splendid Ricoh Stadium in Coventry (5.30pm, Sky Sports 2).

The Munster coach played Denis Hurley at full-back and Ian Dowling on the left wing in last week’s 16-13 Magners League defeat of Edinburgh at Musgrave Park. Both turned in impressive performances but Kidney clearly holds the view that Shaun Payne, 35, and Antony Horgan, 31, provide him with better options on this occasion.

There are two other changes in the side with New Zealander Rua Tipoki in at centre for Kieran Lewis and Marcus Horan taking over his usual number one jersey to the exclusion of Freddie Puciarello.