Three Irish in Northampton side to face Munster

Northampton Saints have selected three Irishmen in centre James Downey, flanker Neil Best and number eight Roger Wilson in their side to play Munster in the Heineken Cup at Franklins Gardens on Saturday.

Director of rugby Jim Mallinder described his players are "excited but not daunted" by the prospect of facing the two-time European champions.

"It is a superb competition in which you test yourselves against the top clubs in Europe, and they don't come much bigger than Munster. They have a tradition of success in the tournament and are bringing a squad full of international and experienced players."

NORTHAMPTON SAINTS (v Munster): 15 Ben Foden; 14 Chris Ashton, 13 Jon Clarke, 12 James Downey, 11 Bruce Reihana; 10 Shane Geraghty, 9 Lee Dickson; 1 Soane Tonga'uiha, 2 Dylan Hartley (capt), 3 Santiago Bonorino 4 Courtney Lawes 5 Juandre Kruger 6 Phil Dowson 7 Neil Best 8 Roger Wilson.

Replacements: 16 Brett Sharman, 17 Regardt Dreyer, 18 Brian Mujati, 19 Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe, 20 Mark Easter, 21 Alan Dickens, 22 Stephen Myler, 23 Chris Mayor.