He named nine replacements - six of them forwards, explaining that a decision on who would actually make the bench would be made nearer the night of the game. "It s a question really of horses for courses and deciding what the best combinations would be"

“This is a super-important game for us. Obviously to stay alive in the Celtic League is very important. We regard the Celtic League as a very important competition as I said from day one before we kicked the first ball against Llanelli. This is the start of a hugely important three weeks for us and I don’t think we could have asked for a tougher game. I think it’s going to be a great contest." Captain Jim Williams “ This game is the start of a three week period that is so important for us. Winning this one is not so much about a step towards us getting our hands on some silverware but to reach a final would be great for the side who have been consistently one of the best sides in Europe and to get some reward at the end of it is very important. As Alan said, you couldn’t ask for a tougher match, they’ve beaten us the last three times and I don’t suppose they’ll be too bothered about the venue because they’ll have huge support.

Simon Kerr and Dominic Crotty were both ruled out through injury, both injured playing for Garryowen last weekend, Kerr damaged a medial ligament in his knee while Crotty sustained a broken hand – having just recovered from a similar break

Munster Team to Face Ulster:

J Staunton; J Kelly, M Mullins, J Holland, A Horgan; R O’Gara, P Stringer; M Horan, F Sheahan, J Hayes; P O’Connell, D O’Callaghan; J Williams (capt), A Quinlan, A Foley.

Replacements: J Blaney, M Cahill M O’Driscoll, M Galwey, E Halvey, Denis Leamy, M Prendergast, K Keane, M Lawlor

Ulster Team:

15 - Brun Cunningham; 14 - James Topping; 13 - Shane Stewart; 12 - Adam Larkin; 11 - Sheldon Coulter; 10 - David Humphreys (Captain); 9 - Neil Doak; 1 - Justin Fitzpatrick; 2 - Matt Sexton; 3 - Robbie Kempson; 4 - Gary Longwell; 5 - Jeremy Davidson (Vice-Captain); 6 - Warren Brosnihan; 7 - Neil McMillan; 8 - Tony McWhirter

Replacements: 16 - Simon Best; 17 - Paul Shields; 18 - Mark Blair; 19 - Andy Ward; 20 - Kieran Campbell; 21 - Jan Cunningham; 22 - Scott Young

Munster v Ulster - Celtic League Semi Final

Kick-off: 19:30 Venue: Thomond Park, Limerick, Ireland.