Team News:Mick O'Driscoll will captain Munster against Glasgow Warriors tomorrow evening, and fellow Ireland international Peter Sringer will start at scrumhalf for the European champions and Magners League leaders. Fellow scumhalf Tomás O'Leary, who started in the Grand Slam clinching win over Wales last weekend, is on the bench.
"Obviously we have to be happy where we are in terms of league position as the competition restarts after the Six Nations,” coach Tony McGahan said today.
“The squad have worked extremely hard, applied themselves well. However, we recognise how difficult a fixture this is. Glasgow haven't been beaten in Firhill by an Irish side in almost two years and that sort of form gives a side huge confidence.
“They have almost all their internationals back and there has never been much between us in recent times.
McGahan added league position (Glasgow are eighth) and form will have little to do with the outcome tomorrow.
“They (Glasgow) are only one win off fourth spot. That's how competitive the Magners League is and with Leinster to follow in this competition and then Ospreys a week later in the Heineken Cup, our performance on Friday is going to be hugely significant in terms of both those competitions.
"Obviously the break (for the Six Nations) makes it difficult but it's the same for them as well so its a matter of adjusting quickly, players getting back into the tempo of game time and taking the opportunities when they present themselves."
The coach has opted to rest the recently injured Ian Dowling, despite naming him in the extended squad, ahead of the Heineken Cup meeting with Leinster.
Barry Murphy, however, has recovered from a shoulder injury and takes his place on the left wing.
Centre Keith Earls, who will be aware of the speculation surrounding him and a surprise pick for the Lions squad, starts beside Lifeimi Mafi.
Flanker James Eddie and winger Lome Fa'atau return to the Glasgow side. It will be the 23-year-old Eddie’s fourth appearance of a season that has been hampered by shoulder and knee injuries.
"I've really enjoyed training this week,” said the youngster. “There's a real buzz around the squad now that everyone's back together after the break for the Six Nations.
"Personally I was really happy to re-sign on Monday and aim to ensure I continue to progress in Glasgow colours. I'm itching to get back out on the pitch at Firhill and there aren't many better opportunities than when the European champions come to town."
Samoan wing Fa'atau returns after a shin bone injury that has sidelined him for three-and-a-half months and replaces Hefin O'Hare.
"There's no better game to focus the mind than facing the current Magners League leaders and the European champions at home,” said coach Sean Lineen. "It's a massive opportunity to get back to winning ways at home and the supporters will play a huge part in helping them achieve that."
Glasgow: B Stortoni; L Fa'atau, M Evans, R Jackson, T Evans; D Parks, M McMillan; J Va'a, F Thomson, M Low; T Barker, A Kellock(capt); J Eddie, K Brown, J Beattie. Replacements: D Hall, K Tkachuk, D Turner, C Forrester, C Gregor, JM Nunez Piossek, P Horne
Munster: D Hurley; D Howlett, K Earls, L Mafi, B Murphy; P Warwick, P Stringer; F Pucciariello, D Fogarty, T Buckley; M O'Driscoll (capt), D Ryan; A Quinlan, N Ronan, J Coughlan. Replacements:M Essex, D Hurley, B Holland, T O'Donnell, T O'Leary, J Manning, K Lewis.
