McGahan Keeps The Changes To A Minimum

Munster coach Tony McGahan has made just two changes to the starting XV for the Magners League clash with Scarlets at Musgrave Park on Sunday (5.35pm).

With Keith Earls called into the Ireland squad, Barry Murphy takes over at outside centre while Alan Quinlan returns to the side at the expense of Peter O'Mahony.

After the euphoria of the early week victory however, skipper on the night James Coughlan's sights are firmly set on Sunday night's encounter with the Scarlets.

“This is week 22 of our season, it will be our eighth Magners League game. We’ve worked hard to get to the top of the league. We’ve only lost once so far, to Leinster, and we don’t want to lose our grip on top spot. 

“There's a four point gap between ourselves and the Scarlets at the top of the table, but this game is a case of getting back to reality for the squad. Scarlets and ourselves are both missing some key players, but what Tuesday night proved is we have a lot of talented youngsters who are ready to take their chance in the Munster jersey.

“But that was a one-off. We can reflect and enjoy it at another stage. This weekend is about league points and maintaining our Magner League momentum.

Munster: J Murphy; D Howlett' B Murphy, S Tuitupou, D Hurley; P Warwick, D Williams;&nbspW du Preez, ; D Varley, P Borlase; B Holland, I Nagle; A Quinlan, N Ronan, J Coughlan. Replacements: M Sherry, D Ryan, S Archer, P O'Mahony, T O'Donnell, C Murray, T Gleeson, S Deasy.