Munster Unchanged Upfront

Munster coach Alan Gaffney names an unchanged pack, from the one that started against Cardiff Blues last weekend, for Saturday’s Heineken Cup clash with Harlequins at Thomond Park (5.15pm).

Munster coach Alan Gaffney names an unchanged pack, from the one that started against Cardiff Blues last weekend, for Saturday’s Heineken Cup clash with Harlequins at Thomond Park (5.15pm).

In the backs he introduces one new face, Mossy Lawlor who is named on the right wing with John Kelly moving into the outside centre berth. lawlor Last played in the pre-season friendly when he was introduced at out-half and he marked that appearance with the match winning try.

He picked up a shoulder knock in the course of that game that kept him sidelined until last weekend when he came on as a second half replacement in Shannon’s AIl game against Blackrock. John Kelly’s recent good form and his versatility sees him preferred for the number 13 jersey while not surprisingly after a good display against The Blues, Rob Henderson retains the 12 shirt.

In the pack, Donncha O’Callaghan’s continued absence left gaffney with a straight choice between the incumbent Trevor Hogan or the experienced Tom Bowman. Again, Gaffney has rewarded consistency in selecting the Nenagh man who will be making his debut in the competition on foot of impressive showings in recent games.

The back-row remains the same with which means that both Alan Quinlan and David Wallace have to be content with a place on the bench.

Munster Team:

C Cullen; M Lawlor, J Kelly, R Henderson, A Horgan; R O’Gara, P Stringer; M Horan, F Sheahan, J Hayes; T Hogan, P O’Connell; J williams, D leamy, A foley (capt).

Replacements: J Flannery, G McIlwham, T Bowman, A Quinlan, D Wallace, M Prendergast, P Burke.