Munster name side to take on Wallabies

James Coughlan will lead Munster in their challenge match against Australia tomorrow night (kick-off 8pm). Irish squad members Keith Earls, Johne Murphy and Damian Varley have been released by the IRFU to participate in the game.

Munster coach Tony McGahan, despite the absence of a considerable number of frontline players due to international commitments, has managed to name exciting and competitive team.

The backline has experience across the board with Murphy and Earls in situ while Sam Tuitupou returns having served a three-week ban for a dangerous tackle in his side’s Heineken Cup match with London Irish.

Doug Howlett and Denis Hurley occupy the wing spots with Paul Warwick, who will be playing against the country of his birth, and exciting young scrum half Duncan Williams fill the half back jerseys.

New signing Peter Borlase, who arrived from Canterbury last week, packs down at tight-head. Ian Nagle and Billy Holland form a young but promising second row combination while Coughlan, Niall Ronan and Peter O’Mahony make up the backrow.

Barry Murphy returns from a lengthy injury spell and makes the bench for the visit of the Wallabies.

Munster v Australia: Johne Murphy, Doug Howlett, Keith Earls, Sam Tuitupou, Denis Hurley, Paul Warwick, Duncan Williams, Wian Du Preez, Damien Varley, Peter Borlase, Billy Holland, Ian Nagle, Peter O'Mahony, Niall Ronan, James Coughlan (Capt.)

Replacements: Mike Sherry, Stephen Archer, Alan Quinlan/Brian Hayes, Tommy O'Donnell, Conor Murray, Scott Deasy, Barry Murphy.