Munster v Montauban (Fri)

HEINEKEN CUP POOL ONE
Venue: Thomond Park Date: Friday, 10 October Kick-off: 2000 BST Coverage: Live on Sky Sports 2. Live scores on BBC Sport website

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Munster coach Tony McGahan has made three changes from the side that beat Glasgow for Friday night's Heineken Cup game against Montauban at Thomond Park.

Two changes are in the backs, where Lifeimi Mafi replaces Barry Murphy at centre and Ian Dowling plays on the left wing in place of Anthony Horgan.

Hooker Jerry Flannery returns to the front row with Denis Fogarty getting the nod over Frankie Sheahan as cover.

Scrum-half Peter Stringer continues to deputise for the injured Tomas O'Leary.

O'Leary has been ruled out with a leg injury while Flannery returns after recovering from an elbow injury.

There is no place in the 22 for Sheahan, Mick O'Driscoll, Tony Buckley or Denis Hurley.

We have to be focused on our ball carrying and ball protection, otherwise like all good French sides they can score from anywhere Tony McGahan

"The side chosen for this first game is one based on current form," said McGahan.

"We believe this side is best fitted to get a result against a very competitive Monatauban side.

"There were some tough decisions because almsot the whole squad of players were given an opportunity to impress over the course of the Magners League campaign to date and put their hand up for selection.

"We haven't played Montauban before but we have done a lot of analysis on them.

"They have a strong and physical forward pack, pace in the outside backs and possess a strong kicking game.

"Their consistent performances in the French Top 14 make them fully deserving of a place in what is a very competitive pool with Clermont and Sale.

"Our approach is the same as it is for every game in showing the opposition full respect while making sure we control our impact and decision-making in getting the right result.

"We have learned from our first game at Thomond Park last Saturday night and the conditions we face could be similar.

"We have to be focused on our ball carrying and ball protection, otherwise like all good French sides they can score from anywhere."

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Munster: K Earls, D Howlett, R Tipoki, L Mafi, I Dowling, R O'Gara, P Stringer, M Horan, J Flannery, J Hayes, P O'Connell (c), D O'Callaghan, A Quinlan, D Wallace, J Melck.
Replacements: D Fogarty, F Pucciariello, D Ryan, J O'Sullivan, M Prendergast, P Warwick, B Murphy.

Montauban: J Dalla Riva; S Jonnet, J Viard, R Jahouer, J Cassin; R Lespinas, P Mitu; B Balan, B Mach, N Adams, S Murray, R Frost, Y Caballero, M Raynaud (capt), M Clarkin.
Replacements: C Traversa, L DelBoulbes, S Florea, K Ghezal, A Battut, F Fortassin, J Laharrague

Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)