Munster boosted by return of Irish stars

Munster coach Alan Gaffney has named his strongest available side for Friday's Celtic League clash with Cardiff Blues at Musgrave…

Munster coach Alan Gaffney has named his strongest available side for Friday's Celtic League clash with Cardiff Blues at Musgrave Park.

Ronan O'Gara, Peter Stringer, Marcus Horan, Frankie Sheahan, John Hayes, Donnacha O'Callaghan, Paul O'Connell, David Wallace and Anthony Foley all return from World Cup duty to boost the side.

With the opening round of the Heineken Cup lurking around the corner, Gaffney has opted to rest John Kelly (Achilles) and Anthony Horgan (hamstring) for Friday's game.

Both Munster and Cardiff are languishing at the wrong end of the Celtic League table with 16 and 14 points respectively.  Ulster set the pace on 27 points.

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MUNSTER:  J Staunton; M Lawlor, M Mullins, J Holland, S Payne; R O'Gara, P Stringer; M Horan, F Sheahan, J Hayes; D O'Callaghan, P O'Connell, J Williams (Captain), D Wallace, A Foley.  Replacements: S Kerr, J Flanery, T Hogan, C McMahon, E Reddan, R Henderson, M McPhail, D Crotty.