Anthony Foley has named his 23 man squad to face Benetton Treviso and see’s two of Ireland’s summer tourists to Argentina return to the fold, with Felix Jones to captain the province for the first time.
In total the starting line-up sees a change of eight personnel from the team that lost the league opener at home to Edinburgh Rugby last Friday night.
It was expected that Paul O'Connell would make his return to action tomorrow night, however he was a late withdrawal due to personal reasons and did not travel with the squad.
James Cronin returns to the front row for the first time after making his Irish senior debut on the Summer Tour to Argentina and is joined in the front row by hooker Duncan Casey and tighthead Stephen Archer. Both Casey and Archer are promoted to a starting position having featured as replacements last weekend.
In the second row, Dave Foley is another promoted from the bench to a starting position and is partnered by Billy Holland who makes his second start in as many weeks.
CJ Stander retains his place at 6, with Tommy O’Donnell making his first start of the season at 7. Having made his first Munster appearance against London Irish in the pre-season SEAT Challenge and after missing out on selection last week due to bruised ribs, Robin Copeland is set to make his competitive debut for Munster at 8.
As you were at half-back with Duncan Williams and Ian Keatley lining out again at 9 and 10 respectively.
In the centre Ivan Dineen makes his first PRO12 start of the season at inside centre with Andrew Smith moving to outside channel for this weekend’s clash.
While in the back three, Simon Zebo and Andrew Conway retain their places on the left and right wings respectively, with returning international full-back Felix Jones captaining the side for the first time and making his first appearance of the new season.
Front row back-up is provided by John Ryan, Kevin O’Byrne and BJ Botha, with Donncha O’Callaghan and Sean Dougall completing the complement of forwards in the matchday squad.
Cathal Sheridan and Johnny Holland provide cover at half-back, while Ronan O’Mahony is also on hand for backline cover.
Benetton Treviso v Munster, Stadio Monigo – Guinness PRO12 Round 2, Friday September 12th. KO 7pm (Irish time).
Munster: Felix Jones – capt, Andrew Conway, Andrew Smith, Ivan Dineen, Simon Zebo; Ian Keatley, Duncan Williams; James Cronin, Duncan Casey, Stephen Archer; Dave Foley, Billy Holland; CJ
Stander, Tommy O’Donnell, Robin Copeland
Replacements: Kevin O’Byrne, John Ryan, BJ Botha, Donncha O’Callaghan, Sean Dougall, Cathal Sheridan, Johnny Holland, Ronan O’Mahony
