Munster pair ready for battle

Munster v Cardiff Musgrave:For a change, Alan Quinlan and Frank Sheahan can expect to see some game time tonight. Not bad options for Munster to have on the bench.

Shaun Payne continues his Indian summer at fullback despite supposedly retiring from the professional game to take up the role as Munster manager. When Doug Howlett eventually arrives, the South African-born but adopted Munsterman may become surplus to requirements but that's unlikely.

Tony Buckley returns from his few days in France as a late replacement for Simon Best so Frederico Puciariello moves back to loosehead prop with Darragh Hurley dropping to the bench.

James Coughlan replaces Billy Holland at blindside but the former under-20 international retains his place in the squad, despite the presence of Quinlan who is also covering lock.

Anthony Foley continues to captain the team in Paul O'Connell's absence. By the time the Irish forwards and half backs return, Munster might have recorded their best ever start to a Celtic League campaign. The Munster v Leinster meeting in Musgrave on November 30th could well be a top-of-the-table clash - as well as the de facto Irish trial.

Jamie Robinson returns for the Blues at centre, Scott Morgan and Bradley Davies also make first starts of the season while Richie Rees comes in for Jason Spice at scrumhalf.

"Jamie didn't play as much as the other players in the World Cup and is obviously looking forward to getting some game time", said Cardiff coach Dai Young.

Despite losing at home to Leinster last week, Cardiff remain top of the table with 14 points from four outings.

MUNSTER:S Payne; I Dowling, K Lewis, R Tipoki, A Horgan; P Warwick, T O'Leary; F Puciariello, D Fogarty, T Buckley; M Melbourne, M O'Driscoll; J Coughlan, N Ronan, A Foley (capt). Replacements: F Sheahan, D Hurley, A Quinlan, B Holland, G Hurley, J Manning, L Mafi.

CARDIFF BLUES:B Blair; J Roberts, J Robinson, D Hewitt, T James; N Robinson, R Rees; J Yapp, G Williams, G Powell; B Davies, R Sidoli; S Morgan, R Sowden-Taylor, X Rush (capt). Replacements: S Roberts, R Johnson, D Jones, B White, J Spice, N Macleod, R Williams.

Referee:D Changleng (SRU).

Verdict: Munster