Munster: A player by player guide

Dominic Crotty

Age: 25. Height: 6ft. Weight: 14st 10lbs.

Capped a superb season by winning an international recall. Travels with Ireland squad on summer tour. Recaptured the form that saw him once labelled the "golden boy", a reference to his talent in the formative years. Triple Crown winner with Ireland A.

Strong on the counter-attack and solid under high ball. Will need to break, and make tackles.

John Kelly

Age: 26. Height: 5ft 10in. Weight: 13st 11lbs.

His footballing intelligence suggest that he may have a future at international level, albeit not on the wing, where a lack of quality pace would be too much of a handicap. Beautifully balanced runner whose sharp brain allied to physical ability mark him as an excellent player. Very solid defender to boot.

Mike Mullins

Age: 29. Height: 5ft 11in. Weight: 14st 8lbs.

Has overcome any shortcomings in his defensive game, exemplified by his performances in Stade Francais and Toulouse matches. Great going forward, particularly his ability to read a defence, pick the weakest point and make the half break, getting the ball away in the tackle. Always likely to create opportunities for those around him.

Jason Holland

Age: 27. Height: 5ft 10in. Weight: 14st 10lbs.

Has been a revelation for the province this season, especially as he has been playing his club football at a much lower level than his colleagues. His ability to read the game was manifest in the try he scored against Toulouse, intercepting Jerome Calalbou's long pass. Very good foil for Mullins. Defensively assured and good in possession.

Anthony Horgan

Age: 22. Height: 6ft. Weight: 13st.

Very unfortunate not to make a national squad this season. He demonstrated his prowess for the "try of the season" against Toulouse. A former under-21 international, he did extremely well when marking Emile Ntamack. Has blossomed into an excellent attacking player and another high-profile performance could earn him national honours in the autumn.

Ronan O'Gara

Age: 23. Height: 5ft 11in. Weight: 13st.

The fulcrum around which so much revolves for the province. His ability to remain composed under the most intense pressure and to invariably choose and then execute to perfection the right option, correctly earned him national recognition. Capable of both kicking for position and a more fluent approach. Key player today.

Peter Stringer

Age: 22. Height: 5ft 6in. Weight: 11st.

The more exposure he received at international and European cup levels the more he has progressed. Wonderful pass which demands of his outhalf that he run onto the ball. A shrewd tactician and a very fine cover tackler. Needs to develop a break to complete the package. Will once again hope to enjoy a pivotal influence on proceedings.

Peter Clohessy

Age: 34. Height: 5ft 11in. Weight: 16st 12lbs.

In his best ever season, the Young Munster prop shows no signs of slowing down. Did not experience too many difficulties against the vaunted Toulouse front row. This elder statesman contributes in every facet of play. He's always looking for work be it making a tackle, taking on possession or simply fulfilling his primary duties.

Keith Wood

Age: 28. Height: 6ft. Weight: 16st 10lbs.

One trademark flourish in the Toulouse game but unfortunately led to a torn calf and a reduced impact until he was replaced at the interval. Seminal influence on this team. Respected and admired by his team-mates, his presence always distracts the opposition in broken play. Munster need to be more clever in using him, assuming that his calf stands up.

John Hayes

Age: 26. Height: 6ft 4in. Weight: 19st.

Every time someone questions his scrummaging the Bull answers them in the most emphatic fashion. Messrs Califano and Tournaire didn't discommode him unduly the last day and he should enjoy the challenge of facing noted South African scrummager Garry Pagel. Scored a try the last day and contributed so much more.

Mick Galwey

Age: 33. Height: 6ft 4in. Weight: 18st.

Another player to whom this team looks: the Kerryman leads by example and it is his thoughtful, calm guidance and appraisal of his surroundings and his ability to galvanise his team-mates that marks him as a player apart in that respect. He will need to keep the minds focussed and away from the distractions of beckoning glory, at least for 80 minutes.

John Langford

Age: 31. Height: 6ft 7in. Weight: 17st 4lbs.

The former Australian international is the primary source of possession out of touch. It is that ability and the facility with which he nicks the occasional opposition throw-in that represent his more ostentatious contribution. However he also works very hard at ruck and maul and his athleticism allows him to support the ball carrier.

Eddie Halvey

Age: 29. Height: 6ft 4in. Weight: 16st 2lbs.

Has enjoyed a metamorphosis over the second half of the season. Declan Kidney's decision to select him ahead of Alan Quinlan in the past two games has been vindicated by performance. The subject of a large offer for London Irish, coach Dick Best recognising the players for the outstanding athlete that he is, when fully tuned in.

David Wallace

Age: 23. Height: 6ft 2in. Weight: 16st 10lbs.

Arguably the outstanding forward in Irish rugby this season and fully deserving of his call-up to the national squad bound for the Americas, where he will become the third of the Wallace brothers to win a full cap. Ball winner, ball stealer, great pace and a happy knack of ripping away opposition ball. When Mullins was sinbinned against Toulouse, he provided a 10 minute tour de force.

Anthony Foley

Age: 26. Height: 6ft 3in. Weight: 17st 4lbs.

The Shannon number eight offers a maturity beyond his years. Very intelligent footballer with good vision, he is an aggressive ball carrier and an equally powerful defender. Works very hard in the tighter exchanges. Has been in superlative form this season.