Doug Howlett, rested for the Zebre game is back in his familiar wing berth while Felix Jones naturally retains the number 15 jersey knowing that a good performance at the Arms Park could propel him into the Irish squad though he refused to contemplate that scenario. "My focus is purely on the game against Cardiff Blues," he said, " I have no control of issues beyond that and just need to concentrate on this game on Friday."

Up front, Marcus Horan is the one change in the front row but there's a new combination of Dave Foley and Billy Holland in the second row while Sean Dougall returns to the openside flank and Tommy O'Donnell wears the number 8 jersey for the first time at senior level.

Munster: F Jones; D Howlett capt, C Laulala, I Keatley, L O'Dea; R O'Gara, D Williams; M Horan, M Sherry, S Archer; D Foley, B Holland; Dave O'Callaghan, S Dougall, T O'Donnell. Replacements: D Varley, J Ryan, W du Preez, I Nagle, P Butler, P Stringer, D Barnes, J Murphy.