Munster pack more power

Celtic League Preview: The traditional spice generated by any clash between these two teams won't dissipate because each side is missing a hefty number of first-choice players. Winning is as much about the bragging rights as it is climbing the Celtic League table.

Munster have been hit by injuries to Jeremy Staunton (groin operation, six weeks) and Mike Mullins (broken jaw, six weeks) quite apart from national squad commitments. Shaun Payne is fit while many would have anticipated John Kelly would be on national team duty. He isn't, so he lines out on the right wing.

It'll be interesting to see how the back five in the pack gel. They're all at various stages in their careers, from the promising Stephen Keogh to "veterans" Eddie Halvey and Jim Williams.

Leinster welcome back Des Dillon and Niall Breslin from injury but are without Brian O'Meara who damaged a groin in the defeat by Gwent Dragons. Matt Leek leaves the treatment table for a starting place. The availability of Enda Bohan and the recovery from injury of Peter Coyle is a big boost.

Leinster broke a six-match winning streak last week when losing heavily in Wales. Their set-piece play will have to be much better.

Leinster may shade the lineouts, Munster the scrum but the crucial battle could well be at halfback. This match could be very close, especially if the Leinster pack can grab a foothold.

MUNSTER: S Payne; J Kelly, J Jones-Hughes, R Henderson, M Lawlor; J Holland, E Reddan; S Kerr, J Blaney, G McIlwham; T Hogan, D Pusey; S Keogh, E Halvey, J Williams (capt).

LEINSTER: J Norton; J McWeeney, C Warner, D Quinlan, B Burke; M Leek, B O'Riordan; E Bohan, G Hickie, P Coyle; B Gissing, A Kearney; N Breslin, D Dillon, S Jennings (capt).

Referee: H Watkins (Wales).

Verdict: Munster.

Munster v Leinster

Musgrave Park, 7.35

On TV: TG4