Quinlan and Hayes back for Munster

Veterans Alan Quinlan and John Hayes return to competitive action for Munster for the first time this season for Saturday's Magners League game against the Cardiff Blues at Musgrave Park.

Veterans Alan Quinlan and John Hayes return to competitive action for Munster for the first time this season for today's Magners League game against the Cardiff Blues at Musgrave Park.

Tight-head Hayes will play from the start with Quinlan looking to make an impact from the bench as Munster attempt to keep pace with the leaders in the League.

Denis Hurley will line out at full-back, with Doug Howlett on the wing and sensation Keith Ealrs dropping out of the squad.

Rua Tipoki to partner Lifeimi Mafi in midfield. Peter Stringer edges out Tomas O'Leary and nine. Donncha Ryan, Niall Ronan and Justin Melck form an experimental back row.

MUNSTER (v Cardiff): D Hurley; D Howlett, L Mafi, R Tipoki, I Dowling; R O'Gara, P Stringer; T Buckley, J Flannery, J Hayes; P O'Connell (capt), M O'Driscoll; D Ryan, N Ronan, J Melck.

Replacements: D Fogarty, F Pucciariello, J O'Sullivan, A Quinlan, M Prendergast, J Manning, B Murphy.