Munster bring out the big guns for Ulster showdown

Donnacha Ryan and Paul O'Connell line out together for the first time in 18 months, as Munster make three changes for Saturday afternoon's crunch meeting with Ulster.

O'Connell returns to the side in the place of Billy Holland, who drops to the bench, with Ryan starting for just the second time this season, following s successful run out against Treviso a fortnight ago. In the front row, Eusebio Guinazu starts at hooker, with Munster's Young Player of the Year Duncan Casey a sub. The other change comes in the centre, as Denis Hurley comes in to partner Andrew Smith, at the expense of Rory Scannell. Meanwhile, Ulster will be without the injured Craig Gilroy for the game, as they look to complete an unbeaten league season at home. Gilroy sustained a hamstring injury in training this week, and he's been replaced by Peter Nelson on the left wing. It's the only change for Neil Doak's side after their 26-10 against Leinster two weeks agpo, as Roger Wilson sets a new club record in his 132nd game in the competition, overtaking Paddy Wallace. Despite the injury to Gilroy, Ulster have a strong hand to work with, with Rory Best, Iain Henderson, Tommy Bowe and Jared Payne all starting. Munster lead Ulster by just one point in the race to secure a home semi-final, with just one more round of matches to play after tomorrow's meeting. Ulster: L Ludik; T Bowe, J Payne, D Cave, P Nelson, P Jackson, R Pienaar; C Black, R Best, W Herbst, D Tuohy, F van der Merwe, I Henderson, C Henry, R Wilson Munster:  FJones; K Earls, A Smith, D Hurley, S Zebo; I Keatley, C Murray; D Kilcoyne, E Guinazu, S Archer; D Ryan, P O'Connell; P O'Mahony, T O'Donnell, CJ Stander