Munster take full squad to Wales

Munster have announced an unchanged team from that which beat Saracens for Saturday's Heineken European Cup clash with Pontypridd at Sardis Road. Captain, Mick Galwey, prop John Hayes and flanker David Wallace were doubtful prior to the Saracens game but have shown no ill effects either during the match or in subsequent training sessions.

Mike Mullins (back), Anthony Foley (leg), Jason Holland (ankle) and Peter Stringer (ankle) are all receiving treatment and explains why Munster will take an extended squad to Wales when they fly out later today. Team manager Brian O'Brien underlined the province's intent on completing the qualification part of the campaign unbeaten.

Leinster, Ulster and Connacht will all name teams later today. Connacht coach Glenn Ross was hoping to select from a full panel for Saturday's European Shield game against Ebbw Vale. The visitors number former Ireland A scrum-half Guy Easterby among their number.

Connacht await late medical reports on Gavin Webster (poisoned foot) and Ian Dillon (hamstring). Flanker Junior Charlie is definitely out with a bad dose of the flu virus. Jimmy Screene and Martin Steffert also had a touch of the flu but not as severe.

England captain Martin Johnson is hoping to be fit for the Six Nations opener against Ireland on February 5th.

"Physically I feel fine, apart from the one injury," Johnson said.

"It has taken a little longer than I thought, but hopefully I will be fit for the start of the Six Nations against Ireland."

Munster: D Crotty; J Kelly, J Holland, M Mullins, A Horgan; R O'Gara, P Stringer; P Clohessy, K Wood, J Hayes; M Galwey (capt), J Langford; A Quinlan, A Foley, D Wallace. Replacements (from): J O'Neill, C Mahony, T Tierney, B O'Meara, M Horan, F Sheahan, D O'Callaghan, M O'Driscoll, E Halvey, K O'Connell.