Head Coach Johann van Graan has named his Champions Cup side to face Racing 92 at the U Arena in Paris on Sunday (3.15pm Irish/4.15pm local – live on Sky Sports).
The latest trio to sign two-year contracts with the province, Billy Holland, Stephen Archer and Kevin O’Byrne, are all included in the squad with Holland and Archer among the starters.
The returning duo are two of four changes to the starting XV that beat Connacht 39-13 last Saturday, with captain Peter O’Mahony and Chris Cloete also named for Sunday’s round five European clash.
Archer joins Dave Kilcoyne and Rhys Marshall in the front row, as Holland resumes his partnership with Jean Kleyn in the second row.
The pack is completed with the back row of O’Mahony, Cloete and CJ Stander.
The all-international backline remains intact with Simon Zebo at fullback and Andrew Conway and Keith Earls on the wings. Rory Scannell partners Chris Farrell in midfield as Conor Murray and Ian Keatley continue as the half-backs.
Kevin O’Byrne, James Cronin and John Ryan make up the front row replacements with Cronin in line for his first European involvement of the season.
Darren O’Shea and Jack O’Donoghue complete the forward reserves as Duncan Williams, JJ Hanrahan and Alex Wootton provide the backline cover.
Munster: Simon Zebo; Andrew Conway, Chris Farrell, Rory Scannell, Keith Earls; Ian Keatley, Conor Murray; Dave Kilcoyne, Rhys Marshall, Stephen Archer; Jean Kleyn, Billy Holland; Peter O’Mahony (C), Chris Cloete, CJ Stander.
Replacements: Kevin O’Byrne, James Cronin, John Ryan, Darren O’Shea, Jack O’Donoghue, Duncan Williams, JJ Hanrahan, Alex Wootton.
Head Coach Johann van Graan gives his thoughts on Racing 92, our opponents in Paris on Sunday, after the French side recorded a 58-6 win over Clermont last weekend.#R92vMUN #SUAF pic.twitter.com/KsXoeFLUCR
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) January 12, 2018
Next home game | Champions Cup: Munster v Castres Olympique, Thomond Park, Sunday January 21, 1pm.
Tickets available online, in our Thomond Park and Irish Independent Park ticket offices (Mon – Fri, 10am – 5pm), or by calling 061 421103.