LONDON IRISH and former Ireland prop Gary Halpin and his clubmate Rob Henderson will make their debuts, for Munster in the match against the Irish XV at Thomond Park on Sunday. The team will be captained by Mick Galwey.

With the Bristol club having informed Munster that Paul Burke and David Corkery will not be released to play for the province in the European Cup, Munster have, undersandably, left both players out of the team. "In the current situation there is no point in selecting them," said Munster manager Colm Tucker. Bristol's decision is one of great disappointment to both the concerned and the province and the matter is now under appeal.

Richard Wallace was also ruled out as he is required by his club Saracens for a league tie next Sunday against Wasps.

The pack includes six internationals, John Fitzgerald, Halpin, Galwey, Gabriel Fulcher, Anthony Foley and Eddie Halvey. With Corkery out, Foley has been named on the blind side flank, Halvey on the open side and A international Barry Walsh at number eight. Walsh had been named as a replacement on the Irish side but has been released to play for the province.

Ireland under 21 full back and Ireland squad member Dominic Crotty has been preferred to Pat Murray, the man who has captained the province in recent seasons, and led Munster to the grand slam two years ago. Murray was, not available for Munster's two match winning tour to England the week before last.

Paul Cunningham has been chosen ahead of former Ireland captain Terry Kingston at hooker, and Stephen McIvor to international David O'Mahony at scrum half. Sean McCahill, Andrew Thompson, Ben Cronin, Brian Begley and Stephen Tuohy were not considered because of injury.