MUNSTER Head Coach Anthony Foley has made three changes from the starting XV that suffered defeat in Paris last weekend.
One change in the front row sees Mario Sagario come in to make his first European start alongside Dave Kilcoyne and Mike Sherry while Dave Foley and Mark Chisholm continue in the second row.
Billy Holland is promoted to a start at 6 this weekend with O’Donnell and captain CJ Stander again named at 7 and 8 respectively.
As you were in the half-backs and midfield with Conor Murray and Ian Keatley, and Rory Scannell and Francis Saili all remaining in situ.
The final personnel change comes in the back three with Ronan O’Mahony starting on the left wing. Keith Earls remains on the opposite flank with Simon Zebo making the positional switch to full-back.
Greencore Munster Academy prop Liam O’Connor will win his first senior cap for the province should he appear from the bench. The Irish U20s player has featured heavily for Munster A in this season’s British & Irish Cup, starting in three of the side’s four encounters.
Hooker Kevin O’Byrne is also included in the replacements and will make his European debut if introduced tomorrow.
On the injury front, Niall Scannell sustained a shoulder injury during yesterday’s squad session and will be monitored by Munster medical staff across the coming days.
Munster v Stade Francais, European Champions Cup Round 5, Saturday January 16th at Thomond Park – KO 1pm.
Munster: Simon Zebo; Keith Earls, Francis Saili, Rory Scannell, Ronan O’Mahony; Ian Keatley, Conor Murray; Dave Kilcoyne, Mike Sherry, Mario Sagario; Dave Foley, Mark Chisholm; Billy Holland, Tommy O’Donnell, CJ Stander – capt.
Replacements: Kevin O’Byrne, Liam O’Connor, John Ryan, Donnacha Ryan, Robin Copeland, Jack O’Donoghue, Tomás O’Leary, Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino.
