The visitors will travel with an almost full-strength squad, however many of their front-line players will be kept in reserve. All but Ronan O’Gara (knee injury) and Paul O’Connell (back strain) will make the short trip to their Celtic neighbours. As well as the returning internationals, both Anthony Horgan and Barry Murphy make a timely reappearance to the match day squad. Ireland’s frustrating sojourn at the recent World Cup will hopefully work in Munster’s favour.

The next six weeks will shape the province’s season with crucial Heineken Cup games against Wasps and Clermont Auvergne being sandwiched by Magners clashes with Glasgow, Edinburgh and Leinster.

For this weekend’s game at Firhill, Declan Kidney will be torn between giving his internationals an extra week’s rest and the decision to field his strongest team possible in a bid to reignite his title aspirations. The likes of Alan Quinlan, Frank Sheahan, Anthony Foley and Lifeimi Mafi will be keen to stake their claims for a starting spot in the forthcoming games.

Given Munster’s recent poor record against this weekend’s opposition, the coach will need some of his more experienced squad members to start taking responsibility on the field. After all, competition for places should have the desired effect on both results and team morale. Irish rugby needs a boost in both.

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