Munster’s Tipoki set for early return to action against Ulster

RUA TIPOKI has recovered from a knee injury to make an earlier than anticipated return for Munster in Saturday night’s sell-out Magners League game against Ulster at Thomond Park (Setanta Ireland, 7.30pm).

The New Zealander has been out of action since the defeat to the All Blacks on November 17, and looked set to remain sidelined until mid-January. However, he has recovered ahead of schedule to be included in the 25-strong panel from which the starting XV will be announced by coach Tony McGahan tomorrow.

Tipoki’s experience and defensive qualities were sadly missed in the back-to-back Heineken Cup matches against Clermont Auvergne last month, as well as in a few below-par Magners League encounters, including the shock loss to Connacht in Galway.