Rugby: Barnes tips Munster fireworks

Wallabies midweek captain Berrick Barnes is predicting more fireworks when Australia's second-stringers take on powerhouse Irish rugby province Munster in Limerick on Wednesday (NZT).

Last week's clash with English champions Leicester was a feisty affair, with several scuffles breaking out during the 26-15 win to the Wallabies.

Munster are a fiercely proud club with a giant-killing reputation against touring sides and an outstanding record in Europe's top rugby competition, the Heineken Cup.

Asked what he expected, Barnes was straight to the point:

"Leicester on steroids I suppose," he said.

No.8 Richard Brown has adopted the role of the midweekers' hardman, and Barnes said that would be no different this week.

"I don't think Browny will be stepping back so it should be good," Barnes said.

"Munster will bring plenty of fire and our boys will rip in as well so, who knows, you might see a bit more fisticuffs."

Munster won the Heineken Cup in 2006 and 2008 with current Wallabies assistant Jim Williams on the coaching staff.

They have made it as far as the quarter-finals of the tournament for 12 straight seasons.

The Australians know they face a potential ambush at Thomond Park, where a near full-house is expected at the 26,000-capacity venue.

"Our role on this tour is to obviously do our best in these midweek games and play in venues that are probably some of the most hostile in Europe," Barnes said.

"Leicester was intense but this goes up a notch and they're renowned worldwide."

Former Test starting hooker Tatafu Polata-Nau will play his first match of the tour and a good performance will have him firmly in the frame for a spot on Australia's bench for Saturday's Test against Italy in Florence.

Australia: Lachie Turner, Rod Davies, Pat McCabe, Anthony Fainga'a, Luke Morahan, Berrick Barnes (capt), Luke Burgess, Richard Brown, Matt Hodgson, Scott Higginbotham, Rob Simmons, Dean Mumm, Salesi Ma'afu, Saia Fainga'a, Ben Daley. Res: Tatafu Polota-Nau, James Slipper, Van Humphries, Pat McCutcheon, Nick Phipps, Matt Giteau, Peter Hynes.

Munster: Johne Murphy, Doug Howlett, Keith Earls, Sam Tuitupou, Denis Hurley, Paul Warwick, Duncan Williams, James Coughlan (capt), Niall Ronan, Peter O'Mahony, Ian Nagle, Billy Holland, Peter Borlase, Damien Varley, Wian du Preez. Res: Mike Sherry, Stephen Archer, Brian Hayes, Tommy O'Donnell, Conor Murray, Scott Deasy, Barry Murphy.

- AAP