KEITH EARLS RETURNS to midfield for Munster’s Pro12 derby against league leaders Connacht.
The Ireland international switches back inside to partner Francis Saili, while head coach Anthony Foley has also made six personnel changes for tomorrow’s top of the table clash at Thomond Park (5.15pm).
Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino makes his first start for the province on the left wing while Gerhard van den Heever comes in on the right, and Tomás O’Leary is named at scrum-half.
In the front row, James Cronin wins his 50th Munster cap while Niall Scannell makes his first start of the season at hooker.
Robin Copeland is reinstated at number eight, which means CJ Stander shifts across to blindside flanker with Jack O’Donoghue remaining on the openside.
Munster (v Connacht)
15. Andrew Conway
14. Gerhard van den Heever
13. Keith Earls
12. Francis Saili
11. Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino
10. Ian Keatley
9. Tomás O’Leary
1. James Cronin
2. Niall Scannell
3. BJ Botha
4. Donnacha Ryan
5. Mark Chisholm
6. CJ Stander (c)
7. Jack O’Donoghue
8. Robin Copeland
Replacements:
16. Kevin O’Byrne
17. Dave Kilcoyne
18. John Ryan
19. Dave Foley
20. Jordan Coghlan
21. Duncan Williams
22. Rory Scannell
23. Denis Hurley