In the absence of the suspended Sam Tuitupou, the number 12 jersey will be worn by Johne Murphy for the sold out Heineken Cup clash with Toulon at Thomond Park Stadium tomorrow (3.30pm). The former Leicester Tigers man from Rathangan in Co Kildare played at outside centre in Munster’s three opening Magners League games, reverted to the wing for the games against Glasgow Warriors and Leinster and slotted in easily at full back for the game against London Irish in the Madjeski last weekend.
“I don’t mind where they pick me, once they do,” was his reaction to the news of his latest switch and his versatility makes him one of Munster’s cleverest signings. Otherwise there are no changes to the Munster backline while up front Tony McGahan makes four changes, one positional from the side that started last week in Reading.
The return of Alan Quinlan to win his 202nd cap means Denis Leamy moves back to number 8 while David Wallace, who made such an impression when introduced for the injured Niall Ronan last week, holds onto the openside berth. Mick O’Driscoll will partner Donncha O’Callaghan this time and Jerry Flannery makes a return to the squad for the first time since the semi final in San Sebastian.
With a back five of O Callaghan, O Driscoll, Leamy, Wallace and Quinlan, twinned with Stringer and O Gara at half backs, Munster fans can expect a return to basics at Thomond Park. Paul Warwick returns to 15, which means that tactical kicking duties will now be shared between the Auusie and O Gara. Expect also to see Flannery, Hayes and Horan all used around the 60 minute mark for impact. With Toulon bringing a slightly weakened side, the chance for Munster to get off to a flyer is there
Munster: P Warwick; D Howlett, K Earls, J Murphy, D Hurley; R O’Gara, P Stringer; W du Preez, D Varley, T Buckley; D O’Callaghan, M O’Driscoll; A Quinlan, D Wallace, D Leamy capt. Replacements: J Flannery, M Horan, J Hayes, D Ryan, J Coughlan, N Ronan, D Williams, S Deasy.
Toulon: C Marienval; P Sackey, M Kefu, F Auelua, R Wulf; F Contepomi, P Mignoni; L Emmanuelli, J-P Genevois, C Hayman; J Suta, K Chesney; G Smith, J El Abd, J Van Niekerk capt. Replacements: M Ivaldi, S Taumoepeau, D Kubriashvili, O Missoup, G Lovobalavu, J Wilkinson, L Magnaval, D Schofield.
Referee: Wayne Barnes.
