Munster bring in the big hitters
Thursday September 04 2008
MUNSTER have named a powerful side for their Magners League opener away to Edinburgh tomorrow (7.30) with Doug Howlett at 15 and Keith Earls named on the right wing.
Lifeimi Mafi and Rua Tipoki fill the centre slots, while Ronan O'Gara and Tomas O'Leary continue their Heineken Cup-winning half-back partnership from last season.
In the pack it is the 'old reliable' front five of Horan, Flannery, Hayes, O'Callaghan and O'Connell, while Donnacha Ryan gets the nod at blindside with David Wallace on the other flank and the in-form John O'Sullivan at No 8.
The signs are ominous for last season's first choice full-back Denis Hurley, who fails to make the bench where Barry Murphy is selected, as is short-term back-row signing Justin Melck.
Edinburgh also boast an international-packed side including Chris Paterson on the right wing.
MUNSTER -- D Howlett; K Earls, L Mafi, R Tipoki, I Dowling; R O'Gara, T O'Leary; M Horan, J Flannery, J Hayes; D O'Callaghan, P O'Connell capt; D Ryan, J O'Sullivan, D Wallace. Replacements: F Sheahan, F Pucciariello, M O'Driscoll, J Melck, P Stringer, P Warwick, B Murphy.
