Ospreys v Munster:Munster are beginning to shape into something resembling their new image for this season. The backline recruitment process will be evident for all to see tomorrow at the Liberty Stadium when they face the Celtic League champions and most potent opponents in the competition.
Brian Carney and Alan Quinlan can bury the frustrating experience of the World Cup with run-on appearances. Peter Stringer remains on the bench but should blend into an utterly changed Munster backline at some stage.
Paul Warwick will attempt to put down a marker in what may prove a vain attempt to hold off Ronan O'Gara as starting outhalf.
Shaun Payne, now officially unretired, looks like remaining as a stopgap at fullback at least until Doug Howlett arrives in January. His managerial duties are superseded by his solidity in the last line of defence.
Munster really could have done with the full complement for this trip to Swansea as a plethora of returning Welsh internationals are in the Ospreys side. Shane Williams will test Carney's defensive resolve, Mike Philips makes his debut at scrumhalf and James Hook is a notable presence on the bench. Then there is Sonny Parker and Gavin Henson staring down Munster's new midfield pairing of Kieran Lewis and Rua Tipoki. Somebody will blink.
The Ospreys have also bolstered their pack with Ian Gough and Duncan Jones. It should be a feisty affair, with the Ospreys perhaps having too many options in reserve - including a certain Mr Hook.
OSPREYS: L Byrne; N Walker, S Parker, G Henson, S Williams; G Owen, M Phillips; D Jones, H Bennett, C Griffiths; I Gough, I Evans; J Thomas, B Lewis, F Tiatia (capt). Replacements: B WIlliams, A Jones, L Bateman, S Tandy, M Roberts, J Hook, A Bishop.
MUNSTER: S Payne; B Carney, K Lewis, R Tipoki, I Dowling; P Warwick, T O'Leary; F Pucciariello, D Fogarty, T Buckley; M Melbourne, M O'Driscoll; A Quinlan, N Ronan, A Foley (capt). Replacements: F Sheahan, Darragh Hurley, J Coughlan, P Stringer, J Manning, L Mafi.
Referee: S McDowell (IRFU)
Verdict: Ospreys win.
