And Scottish international Hines said: “Glasgow will be strong. In saying that they do have a few absentees such as Alistair Kellock, Chris Cusiter and (Johnnie) Beattie, while Kelly Brown has gone to Saracens.

“We finished top of the table last year and it’s their first home game so there’s pretty much everything to play for even though they haven’t got their strongest team.”

Munster begin their campaign with visit of Italian League debutants Aironi to Musgrave Park tomorrow, and head coach Tony McGahan has shuffled his pack in anticipation of an easy victory.

Mick O’Driscoll and Billy Holland come into form a new second row, as does Donnacha Ryan at flanker, with Irish internationals Alan Quinlan, John Hayes and Marcus Horan amongst the replacements.

McGahan said: “Aironi are a big, big side and they clearly see themselves as having a strong set-piece; they’ve made that intention clear. I know a few people there and they don’t feel under any pressure coming to Munster first up.”

Elsewhere Connacht welcome Newport Gwent Dragons to the Galway Sportsgrounds on Saturday.

The hosts have received a boost with the inclusion of Sean Cronin and Gavin Duffy, but John Muldoon and Johnny O’Connor miss out due to long-term injuries.

Finally, Ulster start their season against the Ospreys at Ravenhill this evening.

Australian trialist and former Manly RL star Adam D’Arcy is named at full-back in the hopes of securing a permanent deal with the Irish side.