O’Connell included in Munster squad

Paul O'Connell has been included the Munster squad for the Magners League game against Cardiff Blues at Thomond Park on Saturday.

The captain returned to action last Friday for Young Munster following a lengthy lay-off with a groin injury and came through that test unscathed.

The game will kick-off at the earlier time of 5pm due to the adverse weather conditions.

The pitch at Thomond Park has been covered since Wednesday with stadium officials confident that the game will go ahead as temperatures are forecast to rise slightly on Friday and Saturday.

Munster squad:

Wian du Preez, Dave Ryan, Damien Varley, Mike Sherry, Tony Buckley, Peter Borlase, John Hayes, Mick O'Driscoll, Ian Nagle, Donncha O'Callaghan, Paul O'Connell, Alan Quinlan, Billy Holland, Niall Ronan, David Wallace, Denis Leamy, Peter O'Mahony, Peter Stringer, Tomas O'Leary, Ronan O'Gara, Paul Warwick, Denis Hurley, Sam Tuitupou, Keith Earls, Barry Murphy, Lifeimi Mafi, Johne Murhy, Scott Deasy, Doug Howlett.