AFTER FALLING DOWN the pecking order in recent weeks, Donncha O’Callaghan returns to the Munster team for tomorrow’s Pro12 clash with Cardiff and captains a side showing eleven changes from last week.
O’Callaghan was left out of the squad for the win over Saracens, instead playing for the A side in the British and Irish Cup but with international call-ups depleting his panel, Anthony Foley has called upon the experienced second-row for the trip to Wales.
Robin Copeland will come up against his former team mates while Andrew Conway, fresh from training with the Irish squad during the week, keeps his place on the right wing.
In the absence of half-backs Ian Keatley and Conor Murray, JJ Hanrahan and Duncan Williams will be hoping to pull the strings against a Cardiff side who have won just once this term.
Academy player Rory Scannell is set to make his first senior appearance while Gerhard van den Heever and Johne Murphy slot into the back line.
Much like Munster, Cardiff have been hit by international call-ups but have been boosted by the inclusion of Argentina international Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino, who will make his debut tomorrow.
Munster are on a four game winning streak and victory at the Arms Park could move them up to second in the standings depending on other results.
Munster
15. Johne Murphy
14. Andrew Conway
13. Andrew Smith
12. Rory Scannell
11. Gerhard van den Heever
10. JJ Hanrahan
9. Duncan Williams
1. John Ryan
2. Kevin O’Byrne
3. BJ Botha
4. Donncha O’Callaghan (c)
5. Billy Holland
6. CJ Stander
7. Paddy Butler
8. Robin Copeland
Replacements
16. Eusebio Guinazu
17. Alan Cotter
18. Stephen Archer
19. Sean McCarthy
20. Barry O’Mahony
21. Cathal Sheridan
22. Johnny Holland
23. Ronan O’Mahony
