Munster bring in the big guns

Rugby News round-up: With just three weeks to go to the start of the Heineken European Cup, Munster will, as expected, unleash their strongest team for the stern test of Celtic League champions the Llanelli Scarlets this Sunday evening at Thomond Park.

The only surprise - actually it will only slightly raise eyebrows for those who have seen Munster play this year - is the preference of Denis Leamy over David Wallace in the number seven shirt.

Leamy, who missed most of last season after a shoulder operation, has been the brightest light for Munster in the opening games of this campaign. Alan Gaffney will now get to see how he fares with seven international forwards around him. The front five is the one that finished last season, while the back row sees captain Anthony Foley come in for his first start, as does the fit again Alan Quinlan, who this week overcame problems with the shoulder he damaged during last year's World Cup.

The back line also has a familiar look to it. The international half back axis of Ronan O'Gara and Peter Stringer is joined by the fit- again Rob Henderson, who partners Mike Mullins in the centre.

John Kelly earns his 101st cap for the province on the right wing.

Jim Williams is still out with elbow damage, but has resumed light training, as has utility back Shaun Payne.

However, with Christian Cullen returning to the form that made him a household name worldwide, expect Munster backs to test the Scarlets defence with regularity as they go in search of their first win. However, the Thomond Park factor is ever so slightly blunted as Llanelli won this corresponding fixture in 2003.

The Welsh standard-bearers have also selected a decent side, even though notable absentees are Scott Quinnell and outhalf Stephen Jones (now with Montferrand).

Coach Nigel Davis has yet to find a permanent replacement for the international number 10, with Gareth Bowen replacing former wonder kid Arwel Thomas in the only change from the line-up that beat Edinburgh 37-16 last week.

Connacht have resisted the temptation to name their side until today due a couple of key players carrying knocks. In particular, Bernard Jackman, Mark McHugh, Matt Mostyn (knee) and Tom Tierney are all struggling to be fit. They play bottom team, the Borders, on Saturday in the Sportsground.

Leinster, who named a strong team containing 10 internationals on Tuesday, have added Gavin Hickie to the bench as replacement hooker but may yet change their starting 15 due to a number of knocks.

Ulster have a free weekend but the news that captain Andy Ward is out for six weeks due to soft tissue damage of the shoulder comes as a significant blow.

MUNSTER: C Cullen; J Kelly, M Mullins, R Henderson, A Horgan; R O'Gara, P Stringer; M Horan, F Sheahan, J Hayes; D O'Callaghan, P O'Connell; A Quinlan, D Leamy, A Foley. Replacements: G McIlwham, J Flannery, T Hogan, D Wallace, M Prendergast, P Burke, J Storey.

• Wales coach Mike Ruddock has named record try-scorer Gareth Thomas as his new captain, with former skipper Colin Charvis as vice-captain.