Kidney keen to play trio

IN THE HEAD of Munster coach Declan Kidney the names of three players who were ruled out of last week's game against Ulster, David Wallace, Denis Leamy and Rua Tipoki, will resonate more intensely when he thinks of Gloucester.

With respect to Michael Bradley and Connacht, the three players being available this weekend and getting some pitch time before the trip to Kingsholm for their Heineken European Cup quarter-final on Saturday week is more critical for Munster's season.

Yesterday Kidney announced a 27-man squad with 12 backs and 15 forwards for the Magners League clash, one which also includes Ian Dowling, who was forced out of the starting team with a stomach bug only hours before the kick-off with Ulster last week.

Wallace, Leamy and Dowling took a full part in training yesterday morning in Cork, while Tipoki, who has been suffering with a back injury, is expected to play some part in tomorrow night's clash in the Sportsground.

"We are obviously pleased to be able to name them in the squad," said Kidney.

"Now it's a case of seeing how they come out of that training session today before we finalise the side tomorrow. We're hopeful Rua (Tipoki) will take some part in the game on Friday."

A win for Connacht would be of significant value to them in their hope of stepping off the bottom of the table and catching Ulster. They have 16 points to Ulster's 20, though Ulster have a game in hand.

"Local derbies have a life of their own. You only have to look at recent results between us to appreciate how tough this one will be," added Kidney.

"Last time here we were behind for most of the game and then there have been a few three-nil wins. Leinster needed a late converted try to win here last time. So we're expecting more of the same."

Connacht have announced a 28-man squad for the game.

Outhalf Andy Dunne has been recalled to the squad, as have the three-quarters Liam Bibo and Darren Yapp.

In the forwards, hooker John Fogarty comes back in as well as the Galwegians pairing of Brian McGovern and Liam Casserly.

Coach Bradley has six players who are not considered because of injury: Tim Donnelly (shoulder), John Hearty (hip), Ray Ofisa (arm), Michael Swift (kidney), Ofisa Treviranus (leg), Aidan Wynne (hamstring).

Ulster face the Ospreys and thoughts there may centre on whether Matt Williams's superb early start as coach has come to a resounding halt.

A side that appeared to be growing in confidence will not want to suffer another six-try rout this weekend after Munster's comprehensive bonus-point win last week.

Williams has named a 25-man group to travel to Wales for tomorrow night's game, including eight additions to the squad that went to Musgrave Park, Kieron Dawson, Paul Steinmetz and Kieron Campbell among them.

Assistant coach Steve Williams said this week the hammering by Munster was a reality check and claimed the Ulster squad had taken positives from the game.

"Morale is fine in the camp," he insisted.

MUNSTER SQUAD:D Hurley, S Payne, I Dowling, D Howlett, R Tipoki, K Lewis, L Mafi, B Carney, P Warwick, R O'Gara, T O'Leary, P Stringer, M Horan, J Flannery, F Sheahan, J Hayes, T Buckley, M O'Driscoll, D O'Callaghan, P O'Connell, D Ryan, A Quinlan, D Leamy, D Wallace, N Ronan, J Coughlan, A Foley.

CONNACHT SQUAD:L Bibo, A Browne, L Casserly, M Deane, G Duffy, A Dunne, P Durcan, A Farley, A Flavin, J Fogarty, D Gannon, R Loughney, J Lyne, K Matthews, M McCarthy, B McGovern, C McPhillips, J Merrigan, R Morris, M Mostyn, J Muldoon, T Nathan, J O'Connor, C O'Loughlin, C Rigney, D Riordan, B Wilkinson, D Yapp.

ULSTER:Forwards - B Young; D Fitzpatrick, N Brady, R Best (capt), T Court, M McCullough, C Del Fava, R Caldwell, K Dawson, R Wilson, N Best, S Ferris, G Webb, C Henry. Backs - I Boss, K Campbell, P Wallace, N O'Connor, M McCrea, R Dewey, M Bartholomeusz, A Trimble, B Cunningham, T Bowe, P Steinmetz.