Llanelli can provide stiff examination

Declan Kidney's charges face a difficult assignment even allowing for the fact that Llanelli are without the injured Lions and Wales number eight Scott Quinnell and have another Lion, hooker Robin McBryde, on the bench. Munster have not lost a European Cup or Celtic League tie at Thomond Park but that record will receive a stiff examination today.

Llanelli demonstrated in their narrow European Cup defeat at Leicester's fortress, Welford Road, that facing a volatile atmosphere does not faze them. Captain and leading points scorer Stephen Jones is named in the centre alongside Australian born, former Wales full back Matt Cardey.

The Limerick crowd are sure to extend a "warm welcome" to Irish internationals the Easterby brothers, Simon and Guy, especially as they are likely to be involved in key duels. That is presupposing that Peter Stringer will take the field for Munster at scrumhalf. He didn't train yesterday and will be given until just before the match to confirm his recovery from a damaged ankle.

Young Munster's Mike Prendergast is the likely deputy as he worked extensively with the pack yesterday. There was, though, some good news for Kidney in that John Kelly, Mike Mullins and Alan Quinlan all came through yesterday's session. In a slightly surprising move Rob Henderson is named on the right wing with Kelly partnering Jason Holland in the centre.

Mike Mullins is named among the replacements. Quinlan has also shrugged off injury and will play at openside flanker.

Llanelli will certainly ask the questions, but Munster invariably come up with the right answers and there is nothing to indicate that will change today.

MUNSTER: J Staunton; R Henderson, J Kelly, J Holland, A Horgan; R O'Gara, P Stringer/M Prendergast/D Hegarty; P Clohessy, F Sheahan, J Hayes; M Galwey (capt), M O'Driscoll; J Williams, A Foley, A Quinlan.

LLANELLI: B Davies; W Proctor, M Cardey, S Jones (capt), G Evans; G Owens, G Easterby; M Madden, M Thomas, J Davies; V Cooper, C Gilles; C Wyatt, S Easterby, I Boobyer.

Previous meetings: None.

Current form (Celtic League): Munster - bt Edinburgh (a) 25-22; bt Connacht (h) 40-19; lost to Neath (a) 30-22; bt Newport (h) 29-21; bt Caerphilly (a) 61-18; bt Cardiff (h) 51-10. Llanelli - bt Ebbw Vale (h) 46-16; lost to Leinster (h) 17-19; bt Ulster (a) 27-26; bt Bridgend (h) 36-3; bt Pontypridd (a) 19-17; lost to Swansea (h) 21-27; lost to Glasgow (a) 15-9.

Leading try scorers: Munster - Mike Mullins 5. Llanelli - Wayne Proctor 3.

Leading points scorers: Munster - Jeremy Staunton 70. Llanelli - Stephen Jones 83.

Forecast: Munster to win.