Ian Dowling (knee) and Doug Howlett (hamstring) had scans yesterday on their respective injuries, with the results being positive in both cases.

Payne also reported that Keith Earls came through the Northampton game without any ill-effects, and he confirmed that Earls and team captain Paul O'Connell, who have both been troubled by groin injuries, will continue to be monitored by Munster's medical staff.

Earls has not been ruled out for Sunday's Magners League game against Connacht, but O'Connell is unlikely to take any part.

As Munster juggle their resources to cater for the trip to play Esher in a friendly on Wednesday, the squad for the Connacht game is not expected to be announced until Wednesday evening.

With the British & Irish Cup semi-final against Ulster Ravens less than two weeks away, Munster 'A' coach Anthony Foley is taking a youthful squad to England to play Esher.

Although they have five games still to play, the London club were crowned National League One champions this weekend after their 31-12 win over Blaydon coincided with a defeat for London Scottish.

The game against Munster will be played at Esher's Molesey Road ground with a provisional 5.45pm kick-off.

MUNSTER (v Esher): Troy Smith (Midleton); Ronan O'Mahony (Garryowen), Mike Kelliher (Richmond), Mossie Lawlor (Shannon), Luke O'Dea (Shannon); Paul Rowley (UL Bohemians), Aidan McNulty (UL Bohemians); Dave Kilcoyne (UL Bohemians), Mike Sherry (Garryowen), Pa O'Regan (UL Bohemians), Frank McKenna (Garryowen), Fergal Walsh (Shannon), Dave Sherry (Garryowen), Eoghan Grace (Shannon), Paddy Butler (Shannon).

Replacements: Duncan Casey (Shannon), James Cronin (Highfield), Darragh Frawley (UL Bohemians), Kieran O'Gorman (UL Bohemians), Cathal Sheridan (UL Bohemians), Johnny Holland (UCC), Dave Moloney (UL Bohemians).