Munster v Edinburgh, Musgrave Park, 7.30 At this time of year matches of this ilk take on an added resonance with the Heineken European Cup looming. Ronan O'Gara makes his seasonal bow in a red jersey keen to erase memories of the World Cup. Celebrated for his mental resilience among other qualities, he certainly won't be cowed by external pressures.
Peter Stringer is honoured with the captaincy in the continued absence of Paul O'Connell (disc problem) and given Anthony Foley's presence among the replacements.
Quite apart from the Magners Celtic League points at stake, Munster coach Declan Kidney will be aiming to resolve one or two selection issues.
Kieran Lewis is restored to the midfield as Rua Tipoki drops to the bench. Freddie Pucciariello and Jerry Flannery come into the front row.
O'Connell's back problem is not guaranteed to resolve itself in time for next week's European clash with Wasps in Coventry, so Kidney will have to consider his options with regard to the back five in the pack.
Denis Leamy comes back in at number eight in a strong and physical back row that includes Alan Quinlan and David Wallace.
The decision to rest Shaun Payne is facilitated by Denis Hurley's recovery from injury.
While the result is paramount in any sport, Kidney will be keen that the performance approximates more closely to the true quality of this team than have their efforts so far this season.
Edinburgh coach Andy Robinson has continued with the Blair brothers, David and Mike, at halfback, and welcomes back Allan Jacobsen at prop.
He is able to select a formidable pack, behind which he can depend on the proven finishing qualities of Huge Southwell and Simon Webster.
Munster have not won in the Celtic League since the 26-16 victory over the Dragons at Rodney Parade in late September.
On the positive side, they have not lost to Scottish opponents in their last four meetings.
The last Scottish side to beat Munster was, however, Edinburgh, who achieved a notable coup in winning at Thomond Park last season.
Edinburgh have won only one of their last nine games in this tournament - against Ulster at home - and their last away win in the competition was the aforementioned Munster match. Given that context and the looming challenges they face, the home side can be expected to kick-start their season in earnest.
MUNSTER: D Hurley; B Carney, K Lewis, L Mafi, I Dowling; R O'Gara, P Stringer (capt); F Pucciariello, J Flannery, J Hayes; D O'Callaghan, M O'Driscoll; A Quinlan, D Wallace, D Leamy. Replacements: T Buckley, F Sheahan, A Foley, A N Other, T O'Leary, P Warwick, R Tipoki.
EDINBURGH: H Southwell; A Turnbull, B Cairns, N De Luca, S Webster; D Blair, M Blair; A Jacobsen, R Ford, G Kerr; C Hamilton, B Gissing; A Hogg (capt), R Rennie, S Cross. Replacements: A Kelly, A Allori, M Mustchin, F Pringle, B Meyer, P Godman, J Houston.
Referee: Tim Hayes (Wales).
