However, there is one Gavin Henson named in the Blues backline and Henson's dancing feet will ensure that Munster midfield backs will have to be on their mettle this evening.

Nor will the threat from the Blues be confined to Henson & Co.

Up front the presence of the likes of Paul Tito, Martyn Williams and Maama Molitika means that Mick O'Driscoll's pack will need to win those tight exchanges if they're to build on their good start to this final stage of the RaboDirect PRO12. 

But Munster do have the wherewithal to cope with the challenge and their lively backline will be relying on their beefier buddies to provide the type of ball that will allow them do damage.

It's not likely to be a try fest, more probably a game that'll be won in the trenches but this Munster squad have shown they're willing and able to win games that way if needs must.

Munster: F Jones; J Murphy, D Barnes, L Mafi, S Zebo; I Keatley, T O'Leary; M Horan, D Varley, BJ Botha; B Holland, M O'Driscoll (capt); Dave O'Callaghan, T O'Donnell, J Coughlan. Replacements: D Fogarty, W du Preez, S Archer, D Foley, P Butler, D Williams, S Deasy, L O'Dea.

Cardiff Blues:  C Czekaj; R Mustoe, G Evans, G Henson, T James; D Parks, R Rees; J Yapp, R Tyrell, S Andrews; C Hill, P Tito (capt); M Paterson, M Williams, M Molitika. Replacements: T Rhys Thomas, N Trevett, S Hobbs, M Cook, T Young, L Jones, C Sweeney, B Blair.

Referee: Leighton Hodges (Wales).