O'Connell rested for Connacht clash

Munster coach Tony McGahan has decided to leave his captain Paul O'Connell and six others that played against Perpignan out of the Munster Squad to prepare for the Magners League clash with Connacht on St Stephens Day in Thomond Park Stadium.

The 27-strong squad includes Ronan O'Gara and the try scorers from Stade Aime Giral Denis Fogarty, Denis Hurley, Jean de Villiers and Doug Howlett.

There is also room for Academy players Scott Deasy and Duncan Williams as well as Felix Jones and number eight Nick Williams.

MUNSTER SQUAD (v Connacht): Backs: Scott Deasy, Denis Hurley, Felix Jones, Doug Howlett, Ian Dowling, Tom Gleeson, Lifeimi Mafi, Jean de Villiers, Paul Warwick, Ronan O'Gara, Duncan Williams, Peter Stringer.

Forwards: Darragh Hurley, Wian du Preez, Julien Brugnaut, Denis Fogarty, Damian Varley, Tony Buckley, Mick O'Driscoll, Donnacha Ryan, Alan Quinlan, Billy Holland, Niall Ronan, Nick Williams, James Coughlan, Tommy O'Donnell.