Tipoki back in Munster side

Centre Rua Tipoki returns to the Munster side for the first time since mid-November to play Ulster in their Magners League clash with Ulster at Thomond Park on Saturday (7.30pm).

Ronan O'Gara resumes his role as part-time captain, in the absence of Paul O'Connell, besdie Peter Stringer at half-back. Denis Hurley and Kieran Lewis will also get a run out.

Auckland Blue Nick Williams will look to make his presence felt at number eight in a pack also including the returning John Hayes, Jerry Flannery and Donncha O'Callaghan.

MUNSTER (v Ulster): D Hurley; D Howlett, R Tipoki, L Mafi, K Lewis; R O'Gara (capt), P Stringer; F Pucciariello, J Flannery, J Hayes; D O'Callaghan, M O'Driscoll; D Ryan, N Ronan, N Williams.

Replacements: D Fogarty, T Ryan, Coughlan, A Quinlan, M Prendergast, P Warwick, B Murphy.