Blues bring back reds

The two sides have already met on three occasions this season with Cardiff winning the Magners League clash 22-13 at the Arms Park, but Munster taking both legs in the European competition during December.

The Blues had earlier in the day announced on their website the good news that both Jamie and Nicky Robinson had signed contract extensions to keep them at the Arms Park, however, they have been dealt a blow with the news that hooker Duane Goodfield has undergone shoulder surgery that will keep him out of action until next season.

Munster trio Trevor Halstead, John Kelly and John O’Sullivan return from injury while Eoghan Hickey starts at outside half in place of Jeremy Manning. Halstead’s return means Lifeimi Mafi will be on the bench.

Munster: C Cullen; S Payne, B Murphy, T Halstead, J Kelly (capt); E Hickey, T O’Leary; D Hurley, F Sheahan, F Pucciariello; C Wyatt, M O’Driscoll; A Quinlan, T McGann, J O’Sullivan

Replacements: T Buckley, D Fogarty, D Ryan, M Melbourne, B O’Meara, J Manning, J O’Sullivan


Blues: Ben Blair; Tom James, Jamie Robinson, Marc Stcherbina, Chris Czekaj; Nicky Robinson, Mike Phillips; Taufa’ao Filise, T Rhys Thomas, Gary Powell, Deiniol Jones, Robert Sidoli, Scott Morgan, Rhys Shellard, Xavier Rush (capt)

Replacements: Scott Roberts, Gareth Williams, Ben White, Mark Lewis, Wayne Evans, Mosese Luveitasau, Nick Macleod