With short-term signing Matt Henjak returning home to Australia earlier this week, Steve So'oialo takes his place at scrum half. He will partner Jeremy Staunton at half back, with Staunton being up against the club he left to join Quins in the summer.

Mel Deane returns to the squad following a knee injury that has kept him out action the last five weeks and is amongst the replacements. Also on the bench is Mike Worsley and Andy Dunne, who have recovered from back and knee problems respectively. Karl Rudzki misses out due to a groin injury, so his place is taken by Samoan international Opeta Palepoi.

"The fact that Munster have never lost at Thomond Park in the Heineken Cup gives a very clear indication of the magnitude of the task we face this Saturday," said Mark Evans, NEC Harlequins Chief Executive. "They have consistently been one of the best teams in this competition in recent years and I'm sure they will fancy their chances of going all the way this season."

"However, we have played well in our last two matches against two of the best sides in the Premiership. These performances have shown that we can compete at the highest level, though this cannot disguise the fact that we are still looking for our first victory of the season. Without question, we will have to raise our game even further if we are to get the result we are after at the weekend."

The full team is as follows:

15. Gavin Duffy
14. George Harder
13. Will Greenwood
12. Dafydd James
11. Simon Keogh
10. Jeremy Staunton
9. Steve So'oialo
1. Ceri Jones
2. Tani Fuga
3. Maurice Fitz Gerald
4. Roy Winters
5. Simon Miall
6. Nick Easter
7. Andre Vos (Capt.)
8. Tony Diprose

Replacements:
16. Ace Tiatia
17. Mike Worsley
18. Opeta Palepoi
19. Luke Sherriff
20. Andy Dunne
21. Mel Deane
22. Tom Williams