IRISH provincial side Munster have used the British & Irish Cup to blood their strong Academy side, and their coaching staff have been handsomely rewarded with the team sweeping all before them to reach the final against the Cornish Pirates.

Munster "A" as they are known, are unbeaten this season in all competitions and their cup campaign has seen them claim the notable scalps of Bristol and Nottingham along the way.

Academy coach Anthony Foley is part of the furniture in the Munster set-up, having represented the province 201 times. He captained the senior side to Heineken cup glory in 2006 while also earning 62 caps for Ireland during an illustrious career and his job at the Academy is simple – produce players capable of playing at senior level for Munster and the national side.

Munster also beat Coventry, Neath and Scottish club Heriot's during the pool stages of the cup, before thumping Ulster Ravens 27-3 in the semi-final at Thomond Park, Limerick.

Their team manager Mick Galwey said: "It was a great display from the young lads as they proved their hunger and dedication once again.

"The work they have done throughout the season is paying off and is down to everyone involved, it has been great!"

Despite speculation in some quarters that Munster would draft in squad players from the senior side for Sunday's match, Galwey, a former British Lion capped 41 times by Ireland, is expected to continue with their policy of fielding the Academy team.

Most of the young players in this set-up have represented Munster at senior level, and dangermen for the Pirates will include 20-year-old centre Danny Barnes. The New Zealander has featured prominently in the Munster side throughout the competition, bagging a brace of tries to date.

Fly-half Jeremy Manning is another Kiwi who has qualified through residency to play for Ireland. The 24-year-old has represented the senior side 49 times as well as Ireland Students and claimed two tries in the semi-final win against Ulster.

Their 21-year-old lock Ian Nagle has been virtually ever present for Munster's Academy this season. Standing at 6'5" he provides a formidable presence in the pack along with 6'6" Ireland U20 international Dave O'Callaghan.

Peter O'Mahony has captained the side during their cup run. He is another talented back row forward and has also led Ireland U20s in the 2009 Six Nations and Junior World Cup in Japan.

Full-back Mossy Lawler brings experience to the side having earned 69 caps for Munster as well as spending time at London Wasps. The current captain of Shannon he has also been capped by Ireland at U21 and A levels.

Munster will confirm their team for Sunday later this week, but what is certain is that the challenge posed by Munster's youngsters on Sunday will be formidable. The Pirates will underestimate them at their peril.