Munster make 11 changes

Munster coach Tony McGahan has made 11 changes to his side to play Ulster on Saturday evening when they kick-start their Magners League campaign in Ravenhill.

Mick O'Driscoll will lead the side in the absence of Paul O'Connell as only Lifeimi Mafi, Alan Quinlan, John O'Sullivan and Ian Dowling remain from the win over Sale Sharks.

McGahan said: "There are no more formidable places to go than Ravenhill and we fully recognise that. Ulster are a tough, robust side. But we have full confidence in our squad, in their ability to put their best foot forward to defend the good form we've shown up to now."

MUNSTER (v Ulster): D Hurley; A Horgan, B Murphy, L Mafi, I Dowling; P Warwick, P Stringer; F Pucciariello, D Fogarty, T Buckley, M O'Driscoll (capt), D Ryan, A Quinlan, J O'Sullivan, J Melck.

Replacements: J Flannery, D Hurley, M Melbourne, J Coughlan, M Prendergast, J Manning, K Lewis.