Earls to start for Munster

Keith Earls will start at full-back for Munster against Leinster in the biggest challenge of his fledgling career for Sunday's Magners League clash with Leinster at The RDS on Sunday.

Earls is one of five changes with scrum-half Tomas O'Leary, prop Marcus Horan, lock Donncha O'Callaghan and back rower David Wallace all coming into the side.

South African Justin Melck has won the battle with John O'Sullivan and Alan Quinlan to take his place in the back row with Paul O'Connell set to lead the sdie.

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

Replacements: F Sheahan, F Pucciariello, J O'Sullivan, A Quinlan, P Stringer, P Warwick, B Murphy.