Cullen ready to play his part

Celtic League: Hoping for a more auspicious performance after injury than that of Leinster outhalf Felipe Contepomi, who made an uneven comeback from surgery last week, New Zealand's Christian Cullen will take to the pitch for the first time for Munster tomorrow night.

Following training yesterday, the record All Black try-scorer was named by coach Alan Gaffney at full back for their Celtic League match against The Ospreys at Musgrave Park.

It will be his first match on Irish soil since arriving injured from New Zealand late last year. Cullen has had surgery on a damaged shoulder, which he hurt in the NPC final with Wellington in October.

According to Gaffney, Cullen has been "training very well since going back into full-contact training nearly three weeks ago." Gaffney admitted to being "very excited" about the prospect of having one of the greats of world rugby playing in his side but cautioned supporters not to expect too much.

"It has to be remembered that he hasn't played a game of any description since last October so it's really a case of easing him back into the game. I'm just happy he has recovered from his injury and he's fit to play again."

Consequently Shaun Payne moves to the right wing.

Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan has reduced by one day the scheduled three-day squad mini-camp to facilitate the return of players to the provinces.

Of the replacements against Wales, all but second row Malcolm O'Kelly are free to play. Victor Costello rejoins Leinster, Frankie Sheahan is available for Munster and Simon Best and David Humphreys return for Ulster. Rob Henderson, John Kelly and Anthony Horgan (Munster), Bernard Jackman (Connacht) and Gary Longwell, Matt McCullough and Neil McMillan (Ulster) also are available.

McMillan will captain Ulster against Gwent Dragons at Rodney Parade, replacing Andy Ward, who has been given a week off after playing in every competitive Ulster game so far.

In addition, coach Alan Solomons has made a further six changes to the Ulster starting line-up.

Clive Woodward has told Bath centre Mike Tindall he could be restored to the England set-up next week - provided he negotiates the weekend's club action. Tindall was earlier ruled out of the Six Nations after rupturing a tendon in his right ankle last December. Saturday's English Cup quarter-final clash with Leeds will give him an opportunity to prove his fitness.

Meanwhile, France outhalf Frederic Michalak, who missed the Six Nations game against Italy last week with a bruised collarbone, is back in the squad to play Wales in Cardiff on March 7th.

ULSTER (v Gwent Dragons): B Cunningham; J Topping, S Stewart, P Steinmetz, S Young; D Humphreys, K Campbell; R Kempson, M Sexton, S Best, G Longwell, M McCullough, N Best, N McMillan (capt), R Wilson. Replacements: P Shields, R Moore, M Mustchin, W Brosnihan, N Doak, P Wallace, S Mallon.

MUNSTER (v Ospreys): C Cullen; S Payne, J Kelly, R Henderson, A Horgan; J Holland E Reddan; F Roche, F Sheahan, G McIlwham, T Hogan, D Pusey, S Keogh, E Halvey, J Williams (capt). Replacements (from): M Lawlor, J Jones-Hughes, C O'Sullivan, F Murphy, P Malone, T Hayes, J Blaney, M Cahill.