With several players overlooked by Ireland, Munster are creeping back into that old familiar territory.

Barely noticed, they have climbed atop of the Pro 12 league with just one defeat in seven outings.

They arrive at the Arms Park this evening with a decent collection of reserves as Stephen Archer was dropped from the Irish bench while Felix Jones, Donncha O’Callaghan and James Coughlan were also released, although too late to make the starting XV tonight .

With CJ Stander playing regularly now and Robin Copeland having a storming season for Cardiff, the veteran Dolphin number eight should be eager to get on the field and prove his form.

“Munster have changed a lot over the last year or so, but they are top of the league at this stage so you have to give them huge respect for that,” said Cardiff director of rugby Phil Davies.

“A lot has work has gone on in recent seasons with the era that contained the likes of Ronan O’Gara, Tomás O’Leary, David Wallace and Alan Quinlan coming to an end.”

Perhaps the most interesting selection of all is that of James Cronin at loosehead prop, as he appears to have nudged Dave Kilcoyne out of the way.

That battle is sure to run and run, unless there is some tighthead scrummaging in one of them as the loosehead queue at national level is stacking up.

With Ian Keatley injured, JJ Hanrahan gets a big chance to stake a claim at outhalf where he partners Cathal Sheridan.

International duty deprives Cardiff of Lions stars Sam Warburton, Alex Cuthbert and Leigh Halfpenny.