Rugby:Paul O'Connell has made the Munster bench ahead of the Amlin Cup semi-final against Harlequins at Thomond Park on Saturday (kick-off 1pm) after being drafted into the matchday squad by coach Tony McGahan.

The Ireland lock was not named in the extended squad during the week as he recovered from the ankle injury he sustained against Leinster at the start of the month but was a late addition to the 22 this morning.

"We thought it prudent to omit Paul from the original squad until we saw how he came through what was only his second serious workout (yesterday) since sustaining the injury,” said McGahan. “He reported no ill effects today (Thursday) so we're delighted to be able to name him in the squad.

"I think the Munster medical and fitness staff deserve huge credit for having him back in the match day squad at this stage. But it also demonstrates Paul's professionalism, dedication to his sport and commitment to Munster."

The starting XV shows just one change from the side that beat Brive in the quarter-final, with Paul Warwick preferred to Sam Tuitupou at centre where he will partner Lifiemi Mafi.

Outhalf Ronan O’Gara will captain the side alongside scrumhalf Conor Murray.

There are no changes to the Harlequins side that ran in five tries against Leeds at Headingly on Sunday.

Munster: F Jones; D Howlett, L Mafi, P Warwick, K Earls; R O'Gara capt, C Murray; W du Preez, D Varley, T Buckley; D O'Callaghan, M O'Driscoll; D Leamy, D Wallace, J Coughlan. Replacements: M Sherry, M Horan, J Hayes, P O'Connell, D Ryan, P Stringer, S Tuitupou, J Murphy.

Harlequins: M Brown; G Camacho, G Lowe, J Turner-Hall, U Monye; N Evans, D Care: J Marler, J Gray, J Johnston; O Kohn, G Robson; M Fa'asavalu, C Robshaw (capt), N Easter. Replacements: M Cairns, C Jones, M Lambert, T Vallejos, W Skinner, D Moore, R Clegg, R Chisholm.