The Munster team has been named for Saturday’s URC Interpro derby against Leinster at the Aviva Stadium (6pm, live on Premier Sports).
There are seven changes to the side that beat Racing 92 last weekend. Since the narrow loss to Glasgow in round 1 of the URC, Munster have beaten Bulls and Racing 92, and drawn away to Ulster.
Seán O’Brien starts on his 50th Munster appearance, shifting from the wing to outside centre. The 28-year-old former Ireland U20 international has proven an excellent signing, making a big impression at the province since joining just over three years ago in 2023.
Shane Daly returns from injury to start on the wing with Josh Wycherley, Kieran Brookes, Fineen Wycherley, Jack O’Donoghue, Alex Kendellen and Gavin Coombes all coming into the side.
Replacement Mark Donnelly is in line for his first appearance of the season.
Ben O’Connor, Shay McCarthy and Daly start in the back three with Alex Nankivell and O’Brien in midfield. McCarthy was a try-scorer against Racing 92 with a new two-year contract announced for Nankivell this week.
Craig Casey and first year Academy out-half Charlie O’Shea continue in the half-backs.
Josh Wycherley, Marnus van der Merwe and Brookes pack down in the front row with Fineen Wycherley and captain Tadhg Beirne in the engine room.
O’Donoghue, Kendellen and Coombes start in the back row.
Max Clein, Donnelly and Michael Ala’alatoa provide the front row back-up as Seán Edogbo and Brian Gleeson complete the forward cover.
Ben O’Donovan, JJ Hanrahan and Academy centre Gordon Wood are the backline replacements.
Head Coach Clayton McMillan said: “It has been an intense start to the season and the team have shown lots of character against quality sides.
“There is plenty of scope for us to improve, and we have to if we want to be there at the business end of the season and become the team we know we can be.
“Last week was a very emotional one for obvious reasons. This week brings a very different challenge but we look forward to testing ourselves against one of the most experienced and cohesive sides in world rugby in their own backyard.”
On the injury front, Tom Ahern, John Hodnett, Dan Kelly, Jeremy Loughman and Jack Aungier were unavailable for selection after picking up injuries last week. Lee Barron, Edwin Edogbo and Will Harrison are expected to return shortly.
Munster Rugby: Ben O’Connor; Shay McCarthy, Seán O’Brien, Alex Nankivell, Shane Daly; Charlie O’Shea, Craig Casey; Josh Wycherley, Marnus van der Merwe, Kieran Brookes; Fineen Wycherley, Tadhg Beirne (C); Jack O’Donoghue, Alex Kendellen, Gavin Coombes.
Replacements: Max Clein, Mark Donnelly, Michael Ala’alatoa, Seán Edogbo, Brian Gleeson, Ben O’Donovan, JJ Hanrahan, Gordon Wood.