Preview: Munster v Glasgow
Ireland international Ronan O'Gara will captain a Munster side that includes eight changes for Friday's Magners League clash with Glasgow.
Ireland fly-half Ronan O'Gara will on Friday lead a Munster XV that includes eight changes for their vital Magners League meeting with Glasgow.
But 18 of those who featured in the matchday 22 against Scarlets a week ago will be on duty with Alan Quinlan and Denis Hurley restored to the XV.
Lifeimi Mafi is back after serving his one-match ban while O'Gara is joined by his colleagues from the recent Scotland game, Donncha O'Callaghan and Tony Buckley.
Meanwhile, the Warriors have opted not to rest their Scottish internationals after their match-winning showing over Ireland as they all return.
Right back into the Glasgow line-up goes Chris Cusiter, Max Evans, Graeme Morrison, Dan Parks, Johnnie Beattie, John Barclay and Kelly Brown.
Barclay will lead the team out for what is a vital Magners League game in terms of the play-off race, with both teams locked in third and fourth spot on 34 points.
“Munster are level with us on points and remain the team in the Magners League in terms of consistency,” said Head Coach Sean Lineen.
“It's great to have our Scotland players back and the squad is full of enthusiasm. Every game is now a Grand Final.”
Glasgow's players are eager to retain their current position in the top four as the race for the play-offs hots up. And the former Scotland centre is hoping his charges respond to the conditions both on and off the field.
“Munster's forwards are very unforgiving and there is a fantastic atmosphere at Thomond Park,” he continued.
“The players need to look forward to the whole occasion and enjoy it.”
Form: The Warriors won 22-9 when the two sides met at Firhill Arena in round one but have not achieved a season's double over Munster since 2005/06. Munster's only defeat in their last five matches was 22-31 to Newport Gwent Dragons at Rodney Parade in the Magners League on 6 March. The Munstermen have won their last 16 home games in all competitions since their loss to Ulster at Thomond Park on 3 January 2009. Glasgow Warriors are winless in their last four encounters in all competitions. Glasgow's defeat at Leinster in their most recent away game ended their five game unbeaten run on the road in the Magners League.
The teams:
Munster: 15 Paul Warwick, 14 Denis Hurley, 13 Lifeimi Mafi, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Ian Dowling, 10 Ronan O'Gara (capt), 9 Peter Stringer, 8 James Coughlan, 7 Niall Ronan, 6 Alan Quinlan, 5 Mick O'Driscoll, 4 Donncha O'Callaghan, 3 Tony Buckley, 2 Denis Fogarty, 1 Marcus Horan.
Replacements: 16 Damien Varley, 17 Dave Ryan, 18 Billy Holland, 19 Nick Williams, 20 Duncan Williams, 21 Tom Gleeson, 22 Doug Howlett.
Glasgow: 15 Bernardo Stortoni, 14 Peter Murchie, 13 Max Evans, 12 Graeme Morrison, 11 DTH van der Merwe, 10 Dan Parks, 9 Chris Cusiter, 8 Johnnie Beattie, 7 John Barclay (captain), 6 Kelly Brown, 5 Dan Turner, 4 Richie Gray, 3 Moray Low, 2 Dougie Hall, 1 Jon Welsh.
Replacements: 16 Fergus Thomson, 17 Kevin Tkachuk, 18 Tim Barker, 19 Richie Vernon, 20 Mark McMillan, 21 Colin Gregor, 22 Hefin O'Hare.
Date: Friday, March 26
Kick-off: 20:00
Venue: Thomond Park
Referee: James Jones (WRU)
Assistant Referees: D Wilkinson (IRFU), M Hermin (IRFU)
TMO: Dermot Moloney (IRFU)