Gaffney opts for World Cup stars

Coach Alan Gaffney has opted for the inclusion of World Cup veterans Ronan O'Gara, Peter Stringer, John Hayes, Frank Sheahan, Donncha O'Callaghan, Paul O'Connell and Anthony Foley as part of his strongest available side for the Celtic League tussle with Cardiff Blues at Musgrave Park on Friday evening.

Wings John Kelly (achilles) and Anthony Horgan (hamstring) have been left to rest ahead of next week's Heineken Cup.