Three changes for Munster
Tony McGahan has made three changes in personnel from the XV that started against Aironi for the RaboDirect PRO12 game against Leinster in the Aviva Stadium tomorrow night (8pm).
Just one of those changes comes in the backs, where there's a straight swop, Lifeimi Mafi comes in for Danny Barnes to partner Will Chambers at centre.
In the pack, it's as you were in the front-row, Damien Varley propped by the South African pairing of Wian du Preez and BJ Botha.
In the second row Paul O'Connell’s partnership with Donncha O'Callaghan is restored with Donnacha Ryan making the switch from lock to blindside flank.
Experience probably decided the number 7 and 8 positions, Niall Ronan is brought in on the openside at the expense of Peter O'Mahony and Denis Leamy replaces James Coughlan in the number 8 jersey.
With the Heineken Cup just around the corner, Tony McGahan knows the importance of tomorrow night’s encounter.
“I don't think there are many greater challenges in European rugby than playing the Heineken champions, the number one ranked side in a sell out at the national stadium, a venue they've had wonderful success at,” he said.
“So what a perfect way to get back into the RaboDirect but also for the upcoming Heineken Cup, it's a perfect platform to certainly give us a great indication of where we are.”
Munster. J Murphy; D Howlett, W Chambers, L Mafi, K Earls; R O'Gara, C Murray; W du Preez, D Varley, BJ Botha; D O'Callaghan, P O'Connell capt; D Ryan, N Ronan, D Leamy. Replacements: D Fogarty, M Horan, J Hayes, P O'Mahony, J Coughlan, T O'Leary, I Keatley, D Barnes.
