The pack shows just two changes from the side that started against Benetton Treviso in round two with the continued absence of Marcus Horan providing a first Heineken start for Sringboks Wian du Preez while John Hayes who missed that game through suspension returns at the expense of Tony Buckley.

Jerry Flannery who was named in the extended squad misses out because of what management describe as 'a slight Achilles problem'.

In the backline, coach Tony McGahan has opted for a Mafi/Earls midfield combination while Denis Hurley after a short but impressive role as a replacement against Ospreys last week edges out Ian Dowling.

Munster: P Warwick; D Howlett, K Earls, L Mafi, D Hurley; R O'Gara, T O'Leary; W du Preez, D Fogarty, J Hayes; D O'Callaghan, P O'Connell capt; A Quinlan, D Wallace, D Leamy. Replacements: D Varley, D Hurley, T Buckley, M O'Driscoll, D Ryan, N Ronan, P Stringer, J de Villiers.

Perpignan: J Porical, F Sid, D Marty, M Mermoz, C Manas, G Hume, N Durand, P Freshwater, G Guirado, N Mas [capt], O Olibeau, R Tchale Watchou, Y Vivalda, B Guiry, Y Parent Replacements: M Tincu, J Schuster, K Pulu, C Geli, D Mele, J Grandclaude, P Burger, R Alvarez Kairelis

Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)