Rugby – Team news:As the Six Nations kicks into gear, opportunities are afforded at provincial level in the absence of international stars. That's the case for Munster who take on Benetton Treviso in Sunday's Magners League game at Stadio di Monigo.

With Paul O'Connell and Denis Leamy on ireland duty, Doug Howlett, who has committed to another season with Munster, is an able leader who will captain a side showing a number of new faces.

"I'm very happy that it has been sorted out. My wife and I have been very happy here and are looking forward to continuing on for a while longer," said Howlett, who joined the province three years ago.

After today’s training session in UL Bohemian, the skipper welcomed the opportunity for lesser lights to shine at this level. "I think it's a very exciting line-up. There are a load of new boys there who have huge potential and now it's their chance to shine, to put their hands up.

"I'm certainly looking forward to the game. It's been a while now since we played so it'll be good to get out there again and with the changes we have with the international boys away, it makes in that bit more exciting, a bit more challenging and that's a good thing," added Howlett, also aware that it will take more than youthful enthusiasm to get the job done.

"Treviso will be as tough a side as we've faced. They've a real good record at home, won I think five of their games there, so we won't get anything easy. But we're going there with a good squad, a good mix and I'd be confident we'll give a good account of ourselves."

Munster team (v Treviso):S Deasy; D Howlett, T Gleeson, L Mafi, S Zebo; P Warwick, D Williams; D Hurley, D Varley, S Archer; I Nagle, D Foley; B Holland, T O'Donnell, J Coughlan. Replacements: M Sherry, W du Preez, P Borlase, M O'Driscoll, D Ryan, C Sheridan, S Tuitupou, D Hurley.