Munster reached the semi-finals of the European Cup after beating Biarritz on Sunday, and Gatland has decided to put his faith in the majority of the in-form team.

The side also includes Keith Wood, Munster's hooker last season, bring the total of Munster representatives in the last two season's to ten.

There are five changes from Ireland's last game, a 10-point defeat by South Africa.

Four changes have been forced upon the Kiwi coach by injury. Brian O'Driscoll, Denis Hickie, Keith Millar and Kieron Dawson all injured meaning Michael Mullins, Shane Horgan, Alan Quinlan and David Wallace are all selected.

The only unforced change is the return of Munster captain, Mick Galwey in place of Gary Longwell.

The team was named early because the squad all fly to Rome on Tuesday to prepare for their audience with the Pope the following day.

The team is as follows:

15. Girvan Dempsey (Terenure) 14. Shane Horgan (Lansdowne) 13. Mike Mullins (Young Munster) 12. Rob Henderson (Wasps) 11. Tyrone Howe (Ballymena) 10. Ronan O'Gara (Cork Constitution) 9. Peter Stringer (Shannon) 1. Peter Clohessy (Young Munster) 2. Keith Wood (Harlequins) 3. John Hayes (Shannon) 4. Mick Galwey (Shannon) 5. Malcolm O'Kelly (St Mary's) 6. Alan Quinlan (Shannon) 7. David Wallace (Garryowen) 8. Anthony Foley (Shannon) Replacements. 16. Frank Sheahan (Cork Constitution) 17. Emmet Byrne (St.Mary's College) 18. Jeremy Davidson (Castres) 19. Andy Ward (Ballynahinch) 20. Brian O'Meara (Cork Constitution) 21. David Humphreys (Dungannon) 22. Kevin Maggs (Bath)