Munster welcome back Paul O'Connell on the pitch while off it skipper Doug Howlett is hoping backs coach Simon Mannix can help get his side off to a winning start in the Heineken Cup when they clash with Racing Metro 92 at Stade de France.
Fellow Kiwi Mannix joined force with new coach Rob Penney at Thomond Park this summer after leaving their star-studded Parisien Round 1 opponents.
"I am hoping Simon can take away some of the unknown about Racing and give us a clue as to how they play and what makes them tick," said Howlett.
"Racing are pretty unpredictable, but pretty dangerous. It is going to be a huge occasion for us playing at Stade de France.
"We have talked about the game and we will be concentrating pretty much on our own game in the build-up though Racing have huge strength in depth."
Both teams lost their last matches, 2006 and 2008 Heineken Cup champions Munster 30-21 at Leinster while Racing, seventh in the Top 14, will be determined to bounce back after their 16-12 home defeat against Montpellier last weekend.
