CONOR MURRAY WILL captain Munster after Anthony Foley named his side to face Guinness PRO12 leaders Ospreys in Thomond Park tomorrow evening.
International loosehead Dave Kilcoyne makes his first start of the season with hooker Duncan Casey and tighthead BJ Botha remaining in situ in the front row.
Donncha O’Callaghan comes into the second row for Billy Holland – who had played every minute of this season’s PRO12 to date – and Munster’s most capped player will be partnered by Paul O’Connell who makes his second consecutive league start.
In the back row Sean Dougall and CJ Stander return to the starting line up at 7 and 8 respectively while Ian Keatley is back to take command of the 10 channel.
After impressing last time out against Zebre, Denis Hurley will again start at inside centre alongside Ivan Dineen. Gerhard van den Heever has recovered from a knee injury to make his first appearance of the season on the left wing taking the place of Simon Zebo.
A strong performance on his senior debut last Friday sees year three Academy player Jack O’Donoghue included amongst the replacements once again this weekend.
Munster: Johne Murphy, Andrew Conway, Ivan Dineen, Denis Hurley, Gerhard van den Heever; Ian Keatley, Conor Murray Capt.; Dave Kilcoyne, Duncan Casey, BJ Botha; Donncha O’Callaghan, Paul O’Connell; Paddy Butler, Sean Dougall, CJ Stander.
Replacements: Kevin O’Byrne, James Cronin, Stephen Archer, Dave Foley, Jack O’Donoghue, Duncan Williams, JJ Hanrahan, Andrew Smith.
