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Four changes for Munster as injured players return

1st March 2007


Munster coach Declan Kidney makes four changes, from the side that started against Border Reivers, for Friday's Magners League clash with Cardiff Blues (Musgrave Park 7.40).


Three of those changes are brought about because of the return from injury of Trevor Halstead, John Kelly and John O'Sullivan while Eoghan Hickey gets to start at out-half in place of Jeremy Manning.

Hickey was particularly impressive when he came on as a 46th minute replacement for Manning in that Borders victory. He landed three superb conversions, threw a beautiful cut-out pass that put Jerry Flannery in for a try and executed several long range touch finds.
Flannery is missing from the match day 22 after he picked up a slight leg strain at training in Limerick on Wednesday and his absence brings Denis Fogarty onto the bench for the first time this season following a shoulder operation.

Halstead's return means Lifeimi Mafi slips to the bench while Ian Dowling makes way for John Kelly who will captain the side.

John O'Sullivan's return to fitness couldn't come at a more opportune time given that James Coughlan limped out of the Borders game with a leg injury.

Munster: C Cullen; S Payne, B Murphy, T Halstead, J Kelly capt; E Hickey, T O'Leary; D Hurley, F Sheahan, F Pucciariello; C Wyatt, M O'Driscoll; A Quinlan, T McGann, J O'Sullivan. Replacements: T Buckley, D Fogarty, D Ryan, M Melbourne, B O'Meara, J Manning, J O'Sullivan