Coughlan: Time for Reds to deliver

The fact that Edinburgh will be missing their main play-maker and most lethal finisher tonight will delight Munster as they prepare for the opening round of the RaboDirect Pro 12 at Musgrave Park (7.15pm).

A new-look Edinburgh will be forced to line out without Greig Laidlaw (knee) and Tim Visser (foot), the two players expected to pose the biggest threat to Munster, but the visitors also have to contend with an injury to centre Matt Scott (ankle).

The captaincy will now be taken by second row Sean Cox, one of eight forwards chosen to start the third match in succession having already played Newcastle Falcons (won 15-5) and Northampton (lost 6-24).