All Blacks legend Christian Cullen will get his first taste of Heineken Cup action when he makes his European debut in Munster's home quarter-final against the French champions Stade Francais Paris at Thomond Park on Saturday.
Cullen was forced to undergo a shoulder operation shortly after joining the Irish side after injuring himself in the NPC Final in New Zealand earlier in the season. He has played in a handful of Celtic League matches, but will get his first taste of a full house in Limerick as Munster attempt to reach the semi-finals for a record fifth successive season.
Shaun Payne gets the nod over Irish wing Anthony Horgan on the left flank, while Lions centre Rob Henderson will partner Mike Mullins in the midfield. Ronan O'Gara has recovered from injury to link-up with his Irish half-back partner Peter Strringer for the 43rd time in the Heineken Cup.
Munster: C Cullen; J Kelly, M Mullins, R Henderson, S Payne; R O'Gara, P Stringer; M Horan, F Sheahan, J Hayes, D O'Callaghan, P O'Connell, J Williams (capt), D Wallace, A Foley
Replacements: J Flannery, G McIlwham, D Pusey, S Keogh, E Reddan, J Holland, A Horgan,
Stade Francais: I Corleto; T Lombard, J Hernandez, B Liebenberg, C Dominici; D Dominguez, G Mahe; S Marconnet, B August, P De Villiers, D Auradou, M James, P Tabacco, R Martin, P Rabadan
Replacements: M Blin, P Lemoine, A Marchois, C Moni, TBC, D Skrela, I Vass,
Referee: Nigel Williams (Wales)