AL MAKE UP FOR BAN; WOUNDED REDS TO BANISH BLUES.

Byline: IAN BRANSFIELD

Munster v Cardiff Blues, 7.05pm

THOMOND Park is the venue tonight as Munster seek to overcome their early-season Blues at home to Cardiff.

Tony McGahan has made three changes to the starting XV which lost in Glasgow last weekend, with Barry Murphy, John Hayes and Alan Quinlan all coming back into the side.

For Quinlan, it is a special moment as he looks to banish the demons of a frustrating summer during which time he received a 12-week ban for eye-gouging Leo Cullen last May.

"I'm delighted to be pulling on that Munster shirt again" said the 35-year old, "and really looking forward to the game.

"Pre-season has gone really well and I feel in good shape but it's a big step up from training, particularly when it's against a quality side like Cardiff."

"But nevertheless I can't wait to get out on the pitch."

Munster narrowly beat Cardiff 28-20 in the corresponding fixture last season. Among the tries on that occasion was openside flanker Niall Ronan, and the former Leinster player says he is expecting another tough encounter tonight: "Cardiff are a very good side. Going forward they are very strong and they have a very strong back row. Xavier Rush and Molitika are very good players.

"Their backs are very good as well," continued Ronan, "especially Halfpenny on the wing. They have class players all over the field. They beat us two years ago at home and gave us two very good games last year, so it's not going to be easy.

"Obviously because we lost last weekend we're mad to get back onto the pitch and get a win.

There is nothing better than playing in front of the Munster fans at Thomond Park. But the win is essential."

Munster have not lost to a Welsh side in Thomond since March, 2004 and are unbeaten at home in their last seven matches.

Cardiff, meanwhile are on a three-match losing streak and were desperately disappointing in their home game against Edinburgh last weekend.

The Blues have made several changes from that side with new signing Sam Norton-Knight dropping to the bench following a difficult debut.

Ceri Sweeney, John Yapp, Rhys Thomas, Taufa'ao Filise and Deiniol Jones all come into the starting XV whilst Lions back-row Andy Powell has to be content with a place on the bench.

With their own Lions stars still unavailable, Munster cannot afford any such luxury as they continue to mix youth and experience.

The return of Quinlan and Hayes should make a difference to their faltering pack though Ronan is slightly concerned about the team's ability to gel.

"Presumably the lads coming back are going to be at different standards to the ones already playing. Quinnie is back from suspension so we'll see how that goes. It's hard for everyone to be in the same mode."

Despite his concerns, however, Ronan believes Munster have what it takes to bounce back from their opening defeat with victory in front of their own fans.

"Last weekend we were disappointed with our performance. We know we are better than that and our discipline could have been a lot better.

"We know as a team what we have to do to right the wrongs. We don't like losing any games but especially not playing in front of a home crowd. We're really up for it."

CAPTION(S):

READY FOR TOUGH BATTLE Niall Ronan POINT TO PROVE Munster's Alan Quinlan is back after 12-week suspension for eye-gouging