O'Gara to skipper Munster against Wasps

Ronan O'Gara will captain Munster in their opening Heineken Cup match against London Wasps on Saturday.

Sadly, Paul O'Connell has bowed out of the 25-man squad due to a back strain leaving Donncha O'Callaghan and the on-form Mick O'Driscoll as the likely second row partenrship.

Anthony Horgan and Shaun Payne have both proved their fitness.

They are joined in the squad by full-back Denis Hurley and new signing New Zealander Jake Paringatai.

Munster coach Declan Kidney is expected to name his starting XV Friday lunchtime.

MUNSTER (v Wasps): M Horan, F Pucciariello, J Hayes, T Buckley, J Flannery, F Sheahan, D O'Callaghan, M O'Driscoll, A Quinlan, D Wallace, J Paringatai, A Foley, D Leamy, P Stringer, T O'Leary, R O'Gara (capt), P Warwick, A Horgan, I Dowling, B Carney, R Tipoki, L Mafi, K Lewis, S Payne, D Hurley.