Munster v Perpignan: Teams

Back-to-back clashes over the next two weekends could well decide Munster and Perpignan's chances of qualifying for the next stage of the Heineken Cup.

All four sides in Pool 1 have one win from two games, although it is Perpignan's shock defeat at Treviso in round one which could turn out to be the key result.

The Catalan side will travel to Ireland without former Leicester number eight Henry Tuilagi, who has yet to recover from an adductor strain picked up on international duty for Samoa during the autumn.

Two-time capped France winger Julien Candelon will also miss the trip, with a heel injury sidelining the 29-year-old.

Problems

More problems were heaped on the Top 14 side with the news that back-row forward Guillame Vilaceca could be ruled out for the rest of the season after sustaining a shoulder injury.

However, winger Farid Sid returns for the French champions on the right wing.

Keith Earls replaces Jean de Villiers for Munster, partnering Lifeimi Mafi in midfield.

Denis Fogarty continues to deputise for injured hooker Jerry Flannery, with Damien Varley on the replacements bench.

Otherwise Munster are at full strength for what looks a must-win game for the former champions ahead of the re-match in France next Sunday.

Munster: 15 Paul Warwick, 14 Doug Howlett, 13 Keith Earls, 12 Lifeimi Mafi, 11 Denis Hurley, 10 Ronan O'Gara, 9 Tomas O'Leary, 8 Denis Leamy, 7 David Wallace, 6 Alan Quinlan, 5 Paul O'Connell (c), 4 Donncha O'Callaghan, 3 John Hayes, 2 Denis Fogarty, 1 Wian du Preez.
Replacements: 16 Damien Varley, 17 Darragh Hurley, 18 Tony Buckley, 19 Mick O'Driscoll, 20 Donnacha Ryan, 21 Niall Ronan, 22 Peter Stringer, 23 Jean de Villiers.

Perpignan: 15 Jérôme Porical, 14 Farid Sid, 13 David Marty, 12 Maxime Mermoz, 11 Christophe Manas, 10 Gavin Hume, 9 Nicolas Durand, 8 Ovidiu Tonita, 7 Bertrand Guiry, 6 Yoann Vivalda, 5 Robins Tchale Watchou, 4 Olivier Olibeau, 3 Nicolas Mas, 2 Guilhem Guirado, 1 Perry Freshwater.
Replacements: 16 Marius Tincu, 17 Jérôme Schuster, 18 Kisi Pulu, 19 Charles Geli, 20 David Mele, 21 Jean-Philippe Grandclaude, 22 Philip Burger.