Declan Kidney has made four changes to the side that beat Edinburgh ahead of Munster's opening Heineken Cup game against holders London Wasps in Coventry's Ricoh Arena tomorrow.

In the absence of the injured Paul O'Connell outhalf Ronan O'Gara will captain the side that sees three changes in the backline.

At fullback Shaun Payne replaces Denis Hurley, while wing Anthony Horgan returns from injury to replace Ian Dowling, who moves to the bench.

Rua Tipoki is preferred to Kieran Lewis in the centre, while Marcus Horan returns to loosehead prop in place of Federico Pucciariello.

Wasps coach Ian McGeechan is preparing his side for "six cup finals" in a group that is completed by star-studded French challengers Clermont Auvergne and Wales' most successful European team Llanelli Scarlets.

Only one side is likely to progress.

Wasps rugby director McGeechan said: "All four teams in the group could see themselves as winners, so we have six cup finals straightaway.

"Munster are one of the top European sides as far as playing record goes.

"Clermont Auvergne were probably the French team of last season, even though they lost in the final minute of the (Top 14) final.

"You are talking about international-style intensity every time you play them."

Kick-off tomorrow is at 5.30pm.

Munster: S Payne; B Carney, R Tipoki, L Mafi, A Horgan; R O'Gara capt, P Stringer; M Horan, J Flannery, J Hayes; D O'Callaghan, M O'Driscoll; A Quinlan, D Wallace, D Leamy.

Replacements:  F Sheahan, T Buckley, A Foley, J Paringatai, T O'Leary, P Warwick, I Dowling.