Leamy left on bench

Coach Alan Gaffney has resisted the temptation to include new Ireland cap Denis Leamy for Munster’s engagement with Edinburgh at Murrayfield tomorrow night.

Leamy could be called from the bench if Alan Quinlan, David Wallace or Stephen Keogh are struggling.

“We are in the lucky position of having very strong back-row personnel and it's a question once again of giving guys gametime and a fair chance to tie down a place in the side,” said Gaffney.

“Denis had a game last week, but Wally missed out through injury so we'll give him (Wallace) a start and be very happy that we have a player of Denis' ability on the bench. Denis obviously hasn't been with us all week and only joins up with the squad this evening.”

Christian Cullen returns after a rest and Paul Burke, Shaun Payne, Mike Mullins and Rob Henderson provide the cut-and-thrust to a sharp-looking backline.

MUNSTER (v Edinburgh): C Cullen; S Payne, M Mullins, R Henderson, M Lawlor; P Burke capt, M Prendergast; F Roche, J Blaney, G McIlwham, T Hogan, T Bowman, A Quinlan, D Wallace, S Keogh.

Replacements: E McGovern, D Fogarty, T Hayes, D Leamy, E Reddan, J Holland, J Storey.