Munster to mix and match

DOUG HOWLETT is just one of a number of senior players set tointensify Munster’s pre-season effort when they take on Gloucester at Musgrave Park tonight (7pm).

It’s just a week away from Munster’s Magners League opener against debutante Italian side Aironi at the same venue, and Gloucester – mighty foes of Munster in past Heineken Cup encounters – will enter into the spirit after announcing an experience-laden international team for the match.

Munster coach Tony McGahan has taken the opportunity to strengthen his outfit following last week’s defeat to Leicester (13-17), but hasn’t neglected the claims of younger players despite utilising the obvious experience of Howlett and others in his starting XV.