Munster's international contingent will be expected to report for duty when the squad assembles for training in Limerick on Wednesday. The notable exception will of course be Marcus Horan who sustained a calf injury when he came on as a replacement in the game against Australia. The loose-head prop is expected to be out of action until the New Year.

On a postive note however,Christian Cullen is back training at full tilt and could feature in the squad for the Magners League game against Connacht at Thomond Park next Sunday (5pm).

That Connacht game kick off a very intense and important phase in Munster's season. They are currently five points adrift of the western province and that game is followed by the back-to-back Heineken Cup games with Cardiff Blues and then the Magners League clash with Leinster at Thomond Park just before Christmas.

So the month of December will go a long way towards deciding Munster's season.