Defending champions Munster face a tough test in the second round of European Cup matches this weekend, travelling to English Premiership leaders Sale, shock winners over Clermont in the first round of games.

Other top clashes include the Michael Cheika-coached Leinster at home against Wasps, Perpignan travelling to Ospreys, and the potential Pool 6 decider between Cardiff Blues and Gloucester.

Munster scraped past Montauban at home in their first round game, 19-17, and will be keen to improve that showing.

Rua Tipoki and Ian Dowling, who both picked up injuries against the French club, are included in the 25-strong squad for Sunday's clash with Sale, whose 32-15 win in Clermont impressed Munster coach Tony McGahan.

"To win like they did out there says it all really," said McGahan.

Sale head coach Philippe Saint Andre, who will be without Welsh centre Lee Thomas with an injured shoulder, was in no doubt about the task awaiting his team.

"Munster are the holders, they are the team we all aspire to beat," the Frenchman said.

"According to reports they did well to win against Montauban, but they did win and that's all that matters.

Wasps, convincing 25-11 winners over Castres, travel to Leinster, who were also equally comfortable 27-16 victors of Edinburgh, with the winner taking a big step towards securing the top spot in Pool 2 and the automatic qualifying spot for the quarter-finals.

"The European Cup against Leinster in Dublin on Saturday will be like a mini-test match with all the international players involved," said Wasps full-back Tom Voyce.

Cheika said Leinster were looking forward to the challenge of facing Wasps, who beat the Irish province in the quarter-finals of the 2006/07 competition before going on to win it.

"It's a very big game for us and we really have our vision fixed towards this match," the former coach of Sydney club Randwick said.

"They have strength all over the park and that's something we have to watch. Castres almost set up a tent in their own 22 and Wasps were unlucky not to get a bonus point last week."

Friday's fixture sees Glasgow, 32-22 losers to Newport-Gwent Dragons, entertain Toulouse, whose All Black scrum-half Byron Kelleher has been cited for stamping during his side's injury-time win over Bath.

On Saturday, Castres host Edinburgh and Treviso entertain Leicester in the remaining matches in Pools 2 and 3 respectively.

Pool 4 sees games between Harlequins and Ulster, and Stade Francais, coached by former NSW Waratahs mentor Ewen McKenzie, taking on Scarlets. Biarritz play Calvisano in Pool 6.

Other games on Sunday include an all-French tie in Pool 1 between Montauban and Clermont, Bath rekindling old rivalries against Newport-Gwent Dragons in Pool 5.

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