Tipoki injury forces Munster reshuffle

An injury to Rua Tipoki has forced Munster coach Tony McGahan to reshuffle his backline ahead of Sunday's clash away to Sale Sharks, kick-off 1.30pm.

As a consequence of Tipoki's injury, Keith Earls will partner Lifeimi Mafi at centre, with Paul Warwick filling in at full-back.

Better news for the southern province is that Ian Dowling has recovered from a knock he picked up in last Friday's narrow win over Montabaun to take his place on the wing.

Tomás O’Leary also returns from injury and resumes scrum-half duties at the expense of Peter Stringer.

There is just one change in personnel up front with John O'Sullivan coming in at open side flanker, David Wallace moving to number eight and Justin Melck dropping to the bench.

McGahan explained the decision to play O'Sullivan by saying: 'John has played very well for us whenever he's been called on. He's a very good on-the-ground type of player whose style will complement the back row given the tight pitch and type of game we expect.'

MUNSTER XV to play Sale Sharks in the Heineken Cup on Sunday at 1pm at Edgeley Park:

P Warwick; D Howlett; K Earls, L Mafi, I Dowling, R O'Gara, T O'Leary; M Horan, J Flannery, J Hayes; D O'Callaghan, P O'Connell; A Quinlan, J O'Sullivan, D Wallace.

Replacements: D Fogarty, F Pucciariello, D Ryan, J Melck, P Stringer, B Murphy, K Lewis.