MAGNERS LEAGUE NEWS:Rua Tipoki has made a stunning recovery from injury to take his place in Munster's 25-strong squad for Saturday's Magners League clash against Ulster at Thomond Park.
Tipoki pulled up towards the end of the epic encounter against New Zealand six weeks' ago, paying the price for putting his body on the line against his fellow countrymen.
The centre was diagnosed with medial ligament damage and, at the time, Munster team manager Shaun Payne was doubtful if Tipoki would make it back for the province's Heineken Cup games in January.
Payne yesterday paid tribute to Tipoki's approach in getting back ahead of schedule, commenting that it was down to the "the professionalism of the player himself and the superb work of our medical and fitness staff."
After last weekend's defeat against Connacht, coach Tony McGahan brings back Irish internationals Ronan O'Gara, Jerry Flannery and Donncha O'Callaghan for the sold-out game, while Kieran Lewis, Denis Fogarty and John O'Sullivan also come into the squad.
Frankie Sheahan is ruled out until the end of January after suffering a shoulder injury against Connacht, while McGahan will rest Paul O'Connell, Marcus Horan, Tomás O'Leary and Ian Dowling.
"This is a busy time of year with a succession of very important, very intense games," said Payne. "So it's important we use or resources prudently, not alone for our own sake but also keeping in mind the international players workload with the Six Nations just a little over four weeks away."
Ulster skipper Rory Best is also rested for the game, with former Ireland flanker Kieron Dawson leading the side at Thomond Park.
Ulster coach Matt Williams is staying positive despite a raft of injuries that have hit the province. Flanker Thomas Anderson is the latest to join the list after picking up a knee injury.
With Carol del Fava and Ryan Caldwell also missing, it leaves Williams short of cover in the back five of the pack.
"We've been unlucky in that we've had a number of longer term injuries this season and our match against Llanelli away in the Heineken Cup was particularly bruising, but it happens to everyone and it's just our turn," remarked Williams.
Despite the disappointment of losing to Leinster at Ravenhill last weekend, Williams believes his side can give Munster a good game on Saturday.
"If we go down to Munster, tackle our hearts out and stay within 10 points then we have every chance.
"We're playing the leaders but this is a really healthy competition. Everyone is alive and fighting, the top teams beat the bottom teams and the bottom teams beat the top teams, it's a very close and competitive league."
MUNSTER (Squad v Ulster) - Backs:K Earls, D Hurley, D Howlett, B Murphy, R Tipoki, L Mafi, K Lewis, P Warwick, R O'Gara, M Prendergast, P Stringer.
Forwards:F Pucciariello, D Fogarty, J Flannery, M Essex, T Ryan, J Hayes, M O'Driscoll, D O'Callaghan, D Ryan, A Quinlan, J O'Sullivan, N Ronan, N Williams, J Coughlan,
ULSTER (Squad v Munster) - Forwards:BJ Botha, N Brady, T Court, K Dawson, R Diack, S Ferris, J Fitzpatrick, C Henry, M McCullough, E O'Donoghue, F Paulo, S Philpott, D Pollock.
Backs:I Boss, D Cave, B Cunningham, I Humphreys, P Marshall, M McCrea, T Nagusa, N O'Connor, C Schifcoske, P Steinmetz, A Trimble, P Wallace.
