Head Coach Rob Penney has named Damien Varley as captain for Munster’s RaboDirect PRO12 semi-final away to Glasgow Warriors on Friday night.
Varley retains the captaincy in a side that see’s four changes from the team that started in Munster’s final round loss to Ulster last weekend.
Following the birth of his baby daughter BJ Botha returns at tight-head to join Varley and Dave Kilcoyne in the front row.
Dave Foley and Paul O’Connell remain in situ in the second row, as do Sean Dougall and James Coughlan in the back row with CJ Stander the only change at 6.
Conor Murray returns to the starting line up to partner Ian Keatley in the half backs while Casey Laulala will earn his 50th cap for Munster when he lines out alongside James Downey in the centre.
The back three sees winger Keith Earls make his first start since Munster’s Heineken Cup defeat to Toulon partnering Simon Zebo on the opposite wing while Felix Jones retains his place at fullback.
A speedy and successful rehab has meant Andrew Conway returns to the match day squad after sustaining a sprained toe against Edinburgh.
Munster v Glasgow Warriors, Scotstoun Stadium, Friday May 16th. KO: 7:35pm. To purchase tickets online please click here.
Munster XV: Felix Jones, Keith Earls, Casey Laulala, James Downey, Simon Zebo; Ian Keatley, Conor Murray; Dave Kilcoyne, Damien Varley – Capt, BJ Botha; Dave Foley, Paul O’Connell; CJ Stander, Sean Dougall, James Coughlan. Replacements: Quentin MacDonald, James Cronin, John Ryan, Donncha O’Callaghan, Paddy Butler, Duncan Williams, JJ Hanrahan, Andrew Conway.