Second-string Munster unlikely to roll over

MAGNERS LEAGUE - Ulster V Munster:WHEN ANTHONY FOLEY leads Munster out onto the Ravenhill pitch tonight he will be donning the red jersey for the 200th time, a phenomenal achievement and a testament to the longevity and quality of his footballing ability.

Knowing the player he'll shunt any thoughts of personal milestones to the periphery of his mind, instead focusing on the dynamics of securing victory.

Munster coach Declan Kidney has rested the starting team from Sunday's Heineken Cup semi-final win over Saracens but all seven replacements from that day have been included from the start tonight.

Ludicrous scheduling demands Munster must play three matches - they travel to take on Llanelli at Stradey Park on Saturday afternoon - within seven days and while it is an onerous task, Kidney won't allow his players to dwell on the injustice of their plight.

Part of Munster's success over the past decade in particular is the reverence in which they hold the red jersey, and none of those who take the pitch at Ravenhill will be less than ferociously committed.

It's not as if tonight's group is a team lacking in ability.

Shaun Payne, in fine fettle this season, returns at fullback, while Barry Murphy and Kieran Lewis form a midfield partnership that was once good enough to represent Ireland A as a combination.

Paul Warwick and Peter Stringer will try to provide direction if given a platform by their pack, which contains in-form players like Tony Buckley, Mick O'Driscoll, Donnacha Ryan and Niall Ronan.

Ulster coach Matt Williams has made six changes from the team that lost rather tamely to Cardiff at the Arms Park last time out; albeit they did improve significantly on a dreadful first 40 minutes by showing character and application for the second 40 minutes.

The Australian has elected for a more experienced side and has benefited from the return to fitness of several players.

Bryn Cunningham returns at fullback while Williams has restored Paddy Wallace and Isaac Boss to the halfback roles with Niall O'Connor and Paul Marshall dropping to the bench.

Rory Best's recovery from injury is an important fillip ahead of tonight's game, as is that of Stephen Ferris; both men are pivotal players for the province.

An indication of Ulster's determination can be gleaned from Best's assertion: "We have a point to prove after the away fixture in Cork and what better way to prove it than by beating one of the best teams in Europe?"

There is also the small matter of trying to copperfasten a place in next season's Heineken Cup.

Only four points separate Ulster from Connacht, a margin that is perceived to be uncomfortably close by Williams.

There is the further small matter of pride that took a battering from an Ulster perspective when they travelled to Musgrave Park earlier in the season.

Munster are not in a position to field their full strength so there is a huge onus on Ulster to recognise that by taking at least four points.

The match is an all-ticket affair and a capacity crowd will roar on the home side with gusto.

Matches between these sides tend to be combative and highly charged to say the least, and there is no reason to suspect it will be less than full-on tonight.

Munster boast a young bench that includes their exciting hooker Seán Cronin (soon to be Connacht-bound), Darragh Hurley, Mark Melbourne and Keith Earls.

Ulster are a little more seasoned in the forwards, and home advantage and a nearer approximation to their first-choice team, not to mention their greater need, suggest they should prevail. But the win will not be easily achieved.

ULSTER:B Cunningham; T Bowe, A Trimble, R Dewey, M Bartholomeusz; P Wallace, I Boss; B Young, R Best, T Court; C Del Fava, R Caldwell; M McCullough, K Dawson, S Ferris. Replacements: N Brady, J Fitzpatrick, J Harrison, N Best, P Marshall, N O'Connor, M McCrea.

MUNSTER:S Payne; B Carney, B Murphy, K Lewis, A Horgan; P Warwick, P Stringer; F Pucciariello, F Sheahan, T Buckley; D Ryan, M O'Driscoll; J O'Sullivan, N Ronan, A Foley capt. Replacements: S Cronin, D Hurley, M Melbourne, J Coughlan, G Hurley, J Manning, K Earls.

Referee:A Lewis (IRFU)