With the 11 players who toured with Ireland to Argentina, the US and Canada during the summer still resting, the match tomorrow between Munster and Gloucester at Thomond Park (1.30) will be seen as a chance for a few to prove their pedigree to coach Declan Kidney.
Only Jason Holland remains from the team which started against Northampton in the European Cup final last season, leaving Kidney with an interesting if difficult proposition against the touring English side.
Gone are Keith Wood, Eddie Halvey, Ken O'Connell, David Corkery and Brian O'Meara (now with Leinster) while John Langford, Frankie Sheahan and Peter Stringer are touring with the Barbarians in Europe.
"If you look at the season there is very little chance to give players a chance so it's an opportunity for them to make a statement on their own behalf," says Kidney.
An interesting backrow comprised of Alan Quinlan at number eight and two unknowns, Midleton blindside Garven Lynch and Old Crescent's Phil Glanuzina come in for European Cup final trio Eddie Halvey, Anthony Foley and David Wallace.
Former Skerries back Dermot O'Sullivan plays at number 15 alongside a skilled back division that includes Jeremy Staunton, captain Killian Keane and John O'Neil.
Connacht enter the season with a new coach, South Africa's Steph Nel and in their match against Bedford, Nel will also engage in a little player-watch.
Flanker Junior Charlie is out injured but, amongst others, Nel will cast his eye over former English under-21 winger Matthew Walker and former Leeds number eight Michael Swift.
MUNSTER (v Gloucester) - D O'Sullvan; J O'Neill, K Keane (capt), J Holland, C McMahon; J Staunton, M Prendergast; I Murray, J Fogarty, P Bracken, D Sheehan, M O'Driscoll, G Lynch, A Quinlan, P Glanuzina.
CONNACHT (v Bedford) - T Keating; M Walker, P Duignan or D Romney, M Murphy, G Brady; E Elwood, S McIvor; J Screene, P Cleary, M Cahill, M McConnell (capt), D Browne, I Dillon, M Swift, J O'Connor.
