O'Driscoll to captain Munster

After the All Blacks grew accustomed to their surroundings with a Captain's Run at Thomond Park this afternoon, Munster coach…

After the All Blacks grew accustomed to their surroundings with a Captain's Run at Thomond Park this afternoon, Munster coach Tony McGahan announced that lock Mick O'Driscoll will captain his side against the mighty tourists.

The Munster team contains two New Zealanders in the shape of fullback Doug Howlett and centre Rua Tipoki. Inside centre Lifeimi Mafi, a Tongan, has also represented New Zealand at under-19 and under-21 level.

Barry Murphy and Ian Dowling are named on the wings, while Paul Warwick and Peter Stringer form the halfback partnership.

In the pack, Cork Constitution prop Tim Ryan starts in the frontrow alongside Federicco Pucciariello and hooker Frankie Sheahan.

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Donnacha Ryan is the other starting lock and the backrow is comprised of James Coughlan, Niall Ronan and number eight Denis Leamy.

Ireland prop Tony Buckley, who played in the 55-0 whitewash of Canada at Thomond Park the weekend before last, is among the replacements.

Munster: D Howlett; B Murphy, R Tipoki, L Mafi, I Dowling; P Warwick, P Stringer; F Pucciariello, F Sheahan, T Ryan; M O'Driscoll capt, D Ryan; J Coughlan, N Ronan, D Leamy. Replacements:  D Fogarty, T Buckley, M Melbourne, B Holland, J O'Sullivan, M Prendergast, J Manning.

New Zealand:C Jane; H Gear, A Tuitavake, I Toeava, J Rokocoko; S Donald, P Weepu (capt); J Mackintosh, C Flynn, B Franks, R Filipo, J Eaton, A Thomson, S Waldrom, L Messam. Replacements: H Elliott, J Afoa, B Thorn, K Read, A Mathewson, R Kahui, M Muliaina.