Fringe players get their chance

Munster v Borders: Having safely tucked a European Cup play-off place into their back pocket, Munster now turn their attention to the Celtic League tonight when they play hosts to the weakest of the three Scottish sides.

Languishing in 11th place in the table, Borders have struggled to make an impression, although they will be heartened by last weekend's 8-3 victory over Agen.

Kevin Utterson leads the side from the centre, former Scottish international Gary Armstrong is named at scrumhalf with the excellent Samoan number eight Semo Sititi anchoring the scrum.

Munster coach Alan Gaffney can give some fringe players game-time, notably Mossie Lawler and Jason Jones-Hughes behind the scrum, while retaining a strong backbone to the back line with the presence of Anthony Horgan, Jason Holland, Rob Henderson and Jeremy Staunton. Up front, there is more of a disruption with only David Wallace a first-choice player.

James Blaney continues at hooker in an experienced front row, while journalism student Trevor Hogan joins Australia- born Dave Pusey in the second row. Wallace should start at number eight with Stephen Keogh on one side and another promising young player, Peter Malone, on the other flank.

Mike Mullins is rested and takes his place on the bench alongside another experienced player in Dominic Crotty.

Gaffney will view this match as the ideal opportunity not only to keep up winning ways but amass a bonus point. Fighting on two fronts may be a distraction, but the Munster coach will be keen to stay within touching distance of pacesetters in the Celtic League.

MUNSTER: J Staunton; M Lawler, J Jones-Hughes, R Henderson, A Horgan; J Holland (capt), E Reddan; S Kerr, J Blaney, G McIlwham; T Hogan, D Pusey; P Malone, S Keogh, D Wallace. Replacements: F Roche, J Flannery, D Sheehan, T Hayes, F Murphy, M Mullins, D Crotty.

THE BORDERS: S Paterson; M Walker, G Morton, K Utterson (capt), C Murray; T Vili, G Armstrong; C Dunlea, S Scott, G Cross; S MacLeod, C Stewart; A Rennick, S Sititi, D Kane. Replacements: R Ford, C Todd, D Weir, T Walker, I Fairley, I Berthinussen, C MacRae.

Referee: N Owens (Wales).

Forecast: Munster.