Buckley in for Munster

Tony Buckley returns from the World Cup to go straight into the Munster side a one of three changes for the visit of League leaders Cardiff Blues to Musgrave Park on Friday evening (7.30pm).

James Coughlan comes in for Billy Holland at six and Rua Tipoki steps in for Lifeimi Mafi at centre.

Ireland World Cup squad members Frank Sheahan and Alan Quinlan take over from Academy players Sean Cronin and Tommy O'Donnell on the bench.

Cardiff coach Dai Young has been impressed with Munster:

"We've watched Munster's two opening games very closely, and they play a more expansive game with Paul Warwick at 10 than they do with Ronan O'Gara," he said.

"Their new signing Rua Tipoki has added a cutting edge to them behind and is a real threat. Up front they play a very traditional Munster game, with driving line outs and a strong scrum, with a lot of pick and goes around the rucks."

"We will be looking to bounce back from last Friday. It was disappointing that we had all the field position and all the possession and didn't win the game. You've got to give Leinster credit, they won the game with their defence, we were creating opportunities but couldn't finish them off," concluded Young.

MUNSTER (v Cardiff Blues): Shaun Payne; Ian Dowling, Kieran Lewis, Rua Tipoki, Anthony Horgan; Paul Warwick, Tomas O'Leary; Federico Pucciariello, Denis Fogarty, Tony Buckley; Mark Melbourne, Mick O'Driscoll; James Coughlan, Niall Ronan, Anthony Foley (capt).

Replacements: Frank Sheahan, Darragh Hurely, Alan Quinlan, Billy Holland, Gerry Hurley, Jeremy Manning, Lifeimi Mafi.