Foley Leads Munster in Celtic League Opener.

Anthony Foley will win his 142nd competitive Munster cap when he leads the side out for the Celtic League opener against Border Reivers in Thomond Park on Friday (7.10pm).

Anthony Foley takes over the number 8 berth and the captain’s armband from
Stephen Keogh who led the side last Friday in Welford Road for Munster’s
opening Celtic League game against Border Reivers in Thomond Park on Friday
(7.10pm). Keogh moves to open-side flanker with Denis Leamy coming into the
side at blind-side wing-forward

The other change up front sees Marcus Horan in at loose-head prop ahead of
Frank Roche who is listed among the replacements.

Only two of the backs – Paul Burke and Rob Henderson – who started against
Leicester retain their positions for this game. Shaun Payne missed the
Leicester game through injury and is restored to full-back while Trevor
Halstead, a half-time replacement for Rob Henderson at Welford Road – now
partners Henderson in the centre.

Commenting on the selection coach Declan Kidney, said, “With the number of
injuries we have now at the start of the season,” – Anthony Horgan, Mike
Mullins & Christian Cullen – ” it’s important we try all our options, use
various combinations and see how they work”.

David Wallace said he ” was looking forward to the challenge very much. I’ve
player there (wing) a few times, although never actually started a game in that
position.”

Munster: Shaun Payne; David Wallace, Trevor Halstead, Rob Henderson, John
Kelly; Paul Burke, Peter Stringer; Marcus Horan, Jerry Flannery, Federico
Pucciariello; Trevor Hogan, Mick O’Driscoll; Stephen Keogh, Denis Leamy, Anthony Foley capt

Replacements: Frank Roche, Frank Sheahan, John O’Sullivan, Alan Quinlan, Frank
Murphy, Jeremy Manning, Barry Murphy.

Border Reivers: Stuart Moffat; Simon Danielli, Ben MacDougall, Charlie Hore,
Garry Law; Gregor Townsend, Chris Cusiter; Paul Thomson capt, Ross Ford, Bruce
Douglas; Opeta Palepoi, Colin Stewart; Wayne McEntee, Scott Gray, Kelly Brown
Replacements: Brendan McKerchar, Lee Kibble, John Dalziel, Andy Miller, Andy
Rennick, Steve Scott, Tommy McGee.

Referee: Tim Hayes (WRU).

Touch Judges: Alan Rogan & Tom Horkan (IRFU).