O'Connell to captain Munster in Edinburgh clash

Munster coach Tony McGahan has announced Paul O'Connell will lead his strongest possible side for the Magners League opener against Edinburgh in Murrayfield on Friday.

Keith Earls has forced his way into the side due to his outstanding pre-season form and Donncha Ryan has held off the claims of new signing Justin Melck to start on the blindside in a back row beside John O'Sullivan and David Wallace.

Former Auckland number eight Nick Williams, Denis Leamy, Alan Quinlan and Brian Carney were not considered for one reason or another.

MUNSTER (v Edinburgh): D Howlett; K Earls, L Mafi, R Tipoki, I Dowling; R O'Gara, T O'Leary; M Horan, J Flannery, J Hayes, D O'Callaghan, P O'Connell (capt), D Ryan, J O'Sullivan, D Wallace

Replacements: F Sheahan, F Pucciariello, M O'Driscoll, J Melck, P Stringer, P Warwick, B Murphy.