Pusey gets an early baptism

Rugby Team news: Munster are wasting no time to get familiar with former Australian Schools and Under-21 international David Pusey, who has spent the last two seasons playing with ACT Brumbies.

The 23-year-old, who arrived in Ireland just a week ago, has been put directly into the second row by Alan Gaffney to face Neath-Swansea Ospreys in Munster's third Celtic League game at St Helen's on Saturday.

Pusey is joined by former Irish Under-21 Conrad O'Sullivan, who comes back into the outhalf position to partner scrumhalf Eoin Reddan, having recovered from an ankle injury against Leinster in the team's opening Celtic League game.

Pusey, who is on a two-year contract with the province, admitted on arrival to Ireland that, apart from the Six Nations Championship, Northern Hemisphere rugby doesn't receive much coverage in Australia. He was, however, aware of Munster's reputation.

"John (Langford) filled me in on the Munster scene and then I spoke with Jim (Williams), and I'd have to say they only had good things to say. After that I saw some videos of their games. Saw they way they play. Got an idea of the passion they bring to the game and of the atmosphere surrounding their matches," said Pusey.

"It was a fairly potent mix. Obviously it was a wrench to leave home, but the decision was that much easier having spoken to the two guys and I can't wait to get into it."

This season Pusey has been playing competitive rugby since June and goes into the fray match-fit as Munster seek to rebound after their last league defeat by Llanelli. He will partner Eddie Halvey in the second row in the only change in the Munster pack from that match.

Michael Bradley has left one place vacant on the Connacht side to play Glasgow at Hughenden. Outhalf Eric Elwood, who retired at half-time in The Borders match, remains in doubt for the game.

Former Clontarf player Mike Walls makes his first start of the season at scrumhalf, and with injury ruling out Dan McFarland and Warren O'Kelly, Ray Hogan and Fabian Boiroux come in as props.

Damian Browne returns to partner Andrew Farley in the second row while Michael Swift starts in the back row with Paul Neville and John O'Sullivan.

Connacht (v Glasgow): M McHugh; C McPhillips, D Yapp, T Allnutt (capt), W Munn; AN Other, M Walls; R Hogan, B Jackman, F Boiroux, D Browne, A Farley, M Swift, P Neville, J O'Sullivan.Replacements: J Fogarty, AN Other, M McCarthy, T Carter, C Keane, S Moore, M Mostyn.

Munster (v Neath-Swansea): J Staunton; M Lawlor, M Mullins, J Jones-Hughes, S Payne; C O'Sullivan, E Reddan; S Kerr, J Flannery, M Cahill, E Halvey, D Pusey, D Leamy, D Wallace, J Williams. Replacements: F Roche/A Long, J Danaher, T Hogan, C McMahon, S Keogh, M Prendergast, M McPhail, D Crotty.