MUNSTER HEAD COACH Johann van Graan makes four changes to the side that defeated Leicester in the Champions Cup last weekend for his side’s sold-out Interprovincial derby against Leinster in Thomond Park on St Stephen’s Day (3.15pm).
Returning to the side are Rhys Marshall and Andrew Conway with both players successfully completing their return to play protocols.
Keith Earls and Tommy O’Donnell are also named to start for the first time since Connacht in round seven.
In the back three, Earls takes the place of Wootton on the wing while Conway replaces Zebo at fullback, joining Darren Sweetnam who once again retains the number 14 jersey.
The midfield paring of Rory Scannell and Sammy Arnold, as well as half backs Conor Murray and Ian Keatley remain for Tuesday’s encounter.
O’Donnell completes an international back row that includes last week’s try scorer CJ Stander, who this week signed a new deal with Munster and the IRFU, and captain Peter O’Mahony — who becomes the latest player to make 100 appearances for the province.
Jean Kleyn and Billy Holland continue their second row partnership as Marshall joins the unchanged props of Dave Kilcoyne and Stephen Archer.
Named in the replacements is James Cronin who returns from a calf injury sustained while playing for the Barbarians against Tonga in November.
With additional seating put in place ahead of the clash and an increased capacity of 26,267, tickets have already sold out ahead of a capacity crowd at Thomond Park.
Munster:
15. Andrew Conway
14. Darren Sweetnam
13. Sammy Arnold
12. Rory Scannell
11. Keith Earls
10. Ian Keatley
9. Conor Murray
1. Dave Kilcoyne
2. Rhys Marshall
3. Stephen Archer
4. Jean Kleyn
5. Billy Holland
6. Peter O’Mahony (captain)
7. Tommy O’Donnell
8. CJ Stander.
Replacements:
16. Niall Scannell
17. James Cronin
18. John Ryan
19. Darren O’Shea
20. Jack O’Donoghue
21. Duncan Williams
22. JJ Hanrahan
23. Simon Zebo.
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