Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus makes no less than 12 changes from the side that defeated Connacht for tomorrow evening’s Guinness PRO12 semi final against Ospreys at Thomond Park – KO 6.15pm.
Returning to the starting XV, Donnacha Ryan and Francis Saili are set to line out in the red jersey at Thomond Park for the final time, while Billy Holland, Keith Earls and Andrew Conway are the only players retained from round 22.
Joining Holland and Ryan in the tight-five are front rowers Dave Kilcoyne, Niall Scannell and John Ryan, while in the back row Peter O’Mahony returns as captain with Tommy O’Donnell and CJ Stander completing the pack.
Conor Murray and Tyler Bleyendaal resume their half-back partnership, the former making his first start since returning from a shoulder injury. Murray also draws ever closer to the century landmark for Munster and will make his 99th appearance this weekend.
Saili and Rory Scannell return to the midfield and the final change sees Simon Zebo re-join the back-three at fullback with Conway reverting to the wing and Earls remaining in situ on the opposite flank.
Having just signed new two-year deals with the province, both Ian Keatley and Jaco Taute are named among the replacements.
Munster: Simon Zebo; Andrew Conway, Francis Saili, Rory Scannell, Keith Earls; Tyler Bleyendaal, Conor Murray; Dave Kilcoyne, Niall Scannell, John Ryan; Donnacha Ryan, Billy Holland; Peter O’Mahony – capt., Tommy O’Donnell, CJ Stander.
Replacements: Rhys Marshall, James Cronin, Stephen Archer, Jean Deysel, Jack O’Donoghue, Duncan Williams, Ian Keatley, Jaco Taute.
Munster v Ospreys, Guinness PRO12 semi final, Saturday May 20 at Thomond Park, ko 6.15pm.
Tickets can be purchased online here, from the Munster Rugby Ticket Offices or by calling 061 421103.