Munster changes for connacht clash

Munster has made five changes to the starting line-up that lost to Ospreys in the last round of the Guinness PRO12 for Saturday's derby clash with Connacht.  Two changes in the front row see John Ryan and Stephen Archer come in to start on either side of Eusebio Guinazu, with Donncha O'Callaghan and Billy Holland remaining in situ in the second row.  

 

The return of Tommy O'Donnell at openside is the only change to the back row with Dave O'Callaghan and CJ Stander continuing at 6 and 8 respectively.   Duncan Williams and Ian Keatley again team up in the half-backs, while Andrew Smith makes his first start since returning from injury, doing so outside captain Denis Hurley in the midfield.   The return of Smith sees Keith Earls move to the right wing with Simon Zebo returning to the opposite flank.

Over 17,000 tickets have been sold Saturday's game and tickets will be available to purchase on the day – kick off at Thomond Park is 5.15pm. An added bonus for supporters comes at half time when both 6 Nations trophies will be presented by Ireland captain Paul O'Connell and Ireland women's captain Niamh Briggs.    

 

Munster: Felix Jones; Keith Earls, Andrew Smith, Denis Hurley – capt., Simon Zebo; Ian Keatley, Duncan Williams; John Ryan, Eusebio Guinazu, Stephen Archer; Donncha O'Callaghan, Billy Holland; Dave O'Callaghan, Tommy O'Donnell, CJ Stander. Replacements: Duncan Casey, Dave Kilcoyne, BJ Botha, Paddy Butler, Jack O'Donoghue, Neil Cronin, JJ Hanrahan, Ronan O'Mahony.