O'Gara to lead Munster out in Leinster showdown

Ronan O'Gara will lead Munster against Leinster in the Magners League clash at The RDS (6.30pm) as Paul O'Connell has been demoted to the bench.

Veterans Peter Stringer, Mick O'Driscoll and Anthony Foley have been asked to replace Tomas O'Leary, O'Connell and David Wallace in a strong looking line-up.

Coach Declan Kidney said: " Munster Leinster games have always been great occasions and I don't expect this one to be any different. We have two good sides, we'll have a full house and two teams with a lot to play for.

"You couldn't ask for more than that. I think the whole occasion will be a great advertisement for the Magners League competition.

"In terms of the selection, we have a good panel and players are always looking for games so its a question of trying to come up with the right mix."

MUNSTER (v Leinster): D Hurely; D Howlett, L Mafi, R Tipoki, I Dowling; R O'Gara capt, P Stringer; T Buckley, J Flannery, J Hayes, D O'Callaghan, M O'Driscoll, A Quinlan, D Leamy, A Foley. Replacements: F Sheahan, F Pucciariello, P O'Connell, N Ronan, T O'Leary, P Warwick, K Lewis.