Munster v Rotherham: Again the international requirements of Irish coach Eddie O'Sullivan will influence how Munster coach Alan Gaffney picks his side for the provinces first friendly match of the season against Rotherham at Thomond Park tomorrow night (7.0).
Munster have revealed the names of a 35-man squad, from which Gaffney will announce a starting team tomorrow morning.
Clearly that selection will come after consultation with the Ireland management and there are a number of players who are deemed to need more matches in the tank before the World Cup selection takes place.
It is likely therefore former Lions Keith Wood and David Wallace, both of whom are coming back from injury and played a part in Ireland's win over Wales last Saturday, will play.
John Hayes, who missed the recent tour to Australia, Samoa and Tonga due to injury, and Marcus Horan are also likely to take part in the match, which will be played over three periods.
A number of the new faces in the squad are also likely to get an airing in front of the Limerick crowd. Former Swansea and Natal Sharks winger Shaun Payne is named as is Jason Jones Hughes, the former Newport centre, while Guy Easterby will likely turn out for the newcomers to the English Premiership.
In the Munster forwards the twice-capped, former Bath hooker, Andy Long, who made his debut for England against Australia, should also make an appearance.
Other hopeful World Cup names, including centre Rob Henderson, will be expected to get a run out.
For star gazing it is likely to be an entertaining evening just a fortnight ahead of the Celtic League season opener which takes place at Donnybrook (September 5th) when Munster begin the defence of their title against Leinster, the team they relieved of the trophy.
The Thomond Park match is expected to attract a large crowd with admission prices at €15 for a stand ticket, €10 for a ground pass and €5 for school children.
A special family ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children) is available at €25. The Family ticket can be purchased on the night at the ground where a specific family ticket stile will be opened.
Meanwhile, it looks like being another bumper season at Ravenhill Road with season ticket sales for Ulster's matches up by 35 per cent. Over £160,000 has already been banked by the province.
Munster squad:
Backs: J Staunton, D Crotty, M Lawlor, S Payne, M Mullins, J Jones Hughes, R Henderson, C O'Sullivan, A Horgan, M McPhail, J Holland, E Reddan, F Murphy, D Ulrich.
Forwards: J Williams, P Malone, D Wallace, C McMahon, A Quinlan, D Leamy, D O'Callaghan, P O'Connell, T Hogan, T Hayes, E Halvey, J Hayes, J Blaney, J Flannery, A Long, K Wood, M Horan, S Kerr, F Roche, E McGovern, F McLoughlin.
