Head Coach Johann van Graan has made just one change to his Munster side that defeated Gloucester last weekend for Saturday’s crucial Champions Cup clash against Exeter Chiefs at Thomond Park (5.30pm).
Tighthead prop John Ryan replaces Stephen Archer with captain Peter O’Mahony named in the starting XV.
Conor Murray makes his 50th Champions Cup appearance just over seven years on from making his competition debut against Northampton Saints in the famous 23-21 victory at Thomond Park in November 2011.
The match is completely sold-out with additional seating installed at both ends of the ground to boost the capacity of Thomond Park to 26,267.
Mike Haley starts at full-back with Andrew Conway and Keith Earls on the wings.
Rory Scannell and Chris Farrell form the centre partnership with Murray and Joey Carbery in the half-backs.
Dave Kilcoyne, Niall Scannell and Ryan pack down in the front row with Jean Kleyn and Tadhg Beirne in the engine room.
O’Mahony, Tommy O’Donnell and CJ Stander make up the Munster back row.
Munster: Mike Haley; Andrew Conway, Chris Farrell, Rory Scannell, Keith Earls; Joey Carbery, Conor Murray; Dave Kilcoyne, Niall Scannell, John Ryan; Jean Kleyn, Tadhg Beirne; Peter O’Mahony (C), Tommy O’Donnell, CJ Stander.
Replacements: Rhys Marshall, Jeremy Loughman, Stephen Archer, Billy Holland, Arno Botha, Alby Mathewson, Tyler Bleyendaal, Dan Goggin.
Find out all you need to know ahead of the game here.
Check out the best training pics from this week here.
Match Officials
Referee: Jérome Garcès (France)
Assistant Referees: Ludovic Cayre (France) & Jonathan Dufort (France)
TMO: Eric Briquet Campin (France)
Press Pass
Munster Head Coach Johann van Graan, Jean Kleyn and Rory Scannell look ahead to the big game.
CJ Stander Champions Cup Profile
Check out CJ Stander’s very impressive stats from the Champions Cup so far this season.
6 Nations Rugby In Cork
Six Nations rugby comes to Cork for the first time in the coming months as the Ireland U20s host England and France at Irish Independent Park.
Friday, February 1, 2019
Ireland U20s v England U20s, Irish Independent Park, 7.15pm; Buy tickets here
Friday, March 8, 2019
Ireland U20s v France U20s, Irish Independent Park, 7.15pm; Buy tickets here