O’Gara And Tipoki Back To Bolster Munster

Ronan O’Gara will return to the Munster side on Saturday to lead them for their Magners League derby encounter with Ulster at Thomond Park Stadium (kick-off 7.30pm).

Denis Hurley has also been included in the Munster back-line, along with Kieran Lewis who takes over from Ian Dowling on the left wing.

Centre Rua Tipoki returns to the province’s starting line-up for the first time since the All Blacks game in mid-Novembe.

In the forwards, former Auckland Blues back rower Nick Williams will make his first senior start for Munster at number 8. He was used as a second half replacement in the 12-6 defeat to Connacht.

For the New Year visit of Ulster, Munster coach Tony McGahan has selected a reinforced pack, with recalls for Ireland internationals Jerry Flannery, John Hayes and Donncha O’Callaghan.

MUNSTER (v Ulster): Denis Hurley; Doug Howlett, Rua Tipoki, Lifeimi Mafi, Kieran Lewis; Ronan O’Gara (capt), Peter Stringer; Federico Pucciariello, Jerry Flannery, John Hayes, Donncha O’Callaghan, Mick O’Driscoll, Donnacha Ryan, Niall Ronan, Nick Williams.

Replacements: Denis Fogarty, Timmy Ryan, James Coughlan, Alan Quinlan, Mike Prendergast, Paul Warwick, Barry Murphy.