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04th Apr 2014

Here’s all your Heineken Cup team news for Munster, Ulster and Leinster

The three provinces have all named their teams for the weekend's big games.

JOE

The three provinces have all named their teams for the weekend’s big games.

A monster weekend of Heineken Cup action awaits, and we are still hoping that not one, not two but three Irish teams make it through to the semi-final stage. Yes it is a big ask, especially for Leinster, the only side who play away from home, but it is definitely possible.

And now, with the teams named, our hopes are even higher.

The big news is that Brian O’Driscoll is fit to start, a huge boost to the province’s chances. Leinster also have the hugely important Cian Healy, and Rhys Ruddock, back, so they look very strong for the trip to Toulon.

Rob Kearney, Fergus McFadden, Brian O’Driscoll, Gordon D’Arcy, Dave Kearney, Jimmy Gopperth, Eoin Reddan, Cian Healy, Richardt Strauss, Mike Ross, Devin Toner, Mike McCarthy, Rhys Ruddock, Shane Jennings, Jamie Heaslip.

Replacements: S Cronin, J McGrath, M Moore, L Cullen, J Murphy, I Boss, I Madigan, Z Kirchner.

Ulster have been able to name Ruan Pienaar in their starting 15 for the visit of Saracens to Ravenhill on Saturday. The South African has recovered from injury to partner Paddy Jackson in a seriously strong looking Ulster side. They also have the luxury of having Stephen Ferris on the bench and it is great to see the big fella back in these sorts of games.

J Payne, A Trimble, D Cave, L Marshall, T Bowe, P Jackson, R Pienaar; T Court, R Best, J Afoa, J Muller (Captain), D Tuohy, R Wilson, N Williams, C Henry

Replacements: R Herring, A Warwick, R Lutton, I Henderson, S Ferris, R Diack, P Marshall, C Gilroy.

Munster also have good news, with Peter O’Mahony back in the fold for the visit of Toulouse. James Downey is also back in the team.

F Jones, K Earls, C Laulala, J Downey, S Zebo, I Keatley, C Murray;  D Kilcoyne, E Varley, BJ Botha, D Foley, P O’Connell , P O’Mahony captain, T O’Donnell, J Coughlan

Replacements: D Casey, J Ryan, A Cotter, D O’Callaghan, CJ Stander, D Williams, JJ Hanrahan , G van den Heever.

We don’t know about you, but they look like three winning teams to us.