That game kicks off what will be a season defining number of weeks that sees Munster host Leinster in Thomond Park Stadium a week hence followed by the Amlin quarter final trip to Brive and then two more away trips to Wales before the visit of Connacht on May 6th to Limerick brings the curtain down on the League stage of the competition.

All those involved in the RBS Six Nations - Tomas O'Leary the obvious exception - will be available to Tony McGahan for selection for the Blues game with those who have had the least international game-time likely to be included in the match day 22.

McGahan will name his squad after training tomorrow and after coming through last week's A game in Belfast unscathed Felix Jones, Niall Ronan and Peter O'Mahony should all be in contention for a place in the match day squad as should Conor Murray who has recovered from an ankle injury.

Barry Murphy, Jerry Flannery and Ian Dowling all remain sidelined for the immediate future, Murphy the one expected nearest a return. Tom Gleeson is recovering from a Hernia operation and will be out for up to six weeks while this week's game may come a little too soon for Denis Hurley who picked up an injury (ankle) in the game against Edinburgh.