The array of talent at the disposal of Munster coach Tony McGahan was again evident today when the Australian made six changes to his squad ahead of Sunday's showdown with defending champions Leinster at the RDS (7pm).

McGahan's decision to rest a number of key players ahead of the eight-point win over Cardiff Blues that sent them top of the table, did little to diminish his side's strength but the tried and tested return for the renewal of hostilities with their rivals.

In the backline, the free-scoring Keith Earls has been recalled in the place of Denis Hurley and outhalf Paul Warwick returns instead of Jeremy Manning.

Flanker Niall Ronan's two tries against the Blues were not enough to earn him a place as David Wallace is named, while Ireland regulars Donncha O'Callaghan and Marcus Horan return to replace Mick O'Driscoll and Tony Buckley, respectively.

Hooker Frankie Sheahan replaces Denis Fogarty but South African recruit Justin Melck remains after his bonus-point try last Saturday.

Munster top the table with Ospreys on 14 points, but have a game in hand on their Welsh rivals.

Leinster are three points adrift but have also played just three games. Coach Michael Cheika named his squad yesterday and also included the heavy-hitters.

New recruits CJ van der Linde and Rocky Elsom are in line to make debuts for the province.

MUNSTER SQUAD (v Leinster):K Earls, D Howlett, B Murphy, R Tipoki, L Mafi, I Dowling, R O'Gara, P Warwick, T O'Leary, P Stringer, F Pucciariello, M Horan, F Sheahan, J Flannery, J Hayes, D O'Callaghan, P O'Connel, D Ryan, J O'Sullivan, J Melck, A Quinlan, D Wallace

LEINSTER SQUAD (v Munster):C Whitaker, C Keane, J Sexton, F Contepomi, B O'Driscoll, G Brown, S Horgan, L Fitzgerald, F McFadden, R Kearney, S Keogh, E O'Malley, G Dempsey. C Healy, S Knoop, R McCormack, B Jackman, B Blaney, J Fogarty, CJ van der Linde, S Wright, C Jowitt, M O'Kelly, L Cullen, D Toner, R Elsom, T Hogan, S Keogh, S Jennings, S O'Brien, K McLaughlin, J Heaslip.