With most of the province’s Ireland contingent unavailable, Munster head coach Rob Penney has again rung the changes for Friday’s RaboDirect PRO12 clash with the Cardiff Blues in the Welsh capital (kick-off 7.05pm).
One of the Ireland internationals who has been released from the Carton House camp is Ronan O’Gara who returns from injury to take his place in the Munster starting line-up.
O’Gara slots back in at out-half alongside Duncan Williams with Ian Keatley, who wore the number 10 jersey against Zebre, moving across to the inside centre berth.
Doug Howlett, who was rested for the Zebre game, is back on the right wing while Felix Jones naturally retains the number 15 jersey, knowing that a good performance at Cardiff Arms Park could propel him into the Ireland squad.
Up front, Marcus Horan is the one change in the front row but there is a new combination of David Foley and Billy Holland in the second row.
Sean Dougall returns to the openside flanker spot and Tommy O’Donnell wears the number 8 shirt for the first time at senior level.
MUNSTER (v Cardiff Blues): Felix Jones; Doug Howlett (capt), Casey Laulala, Ian Keatley, Luke O’Dea; Ronan O’Gara, Duncan Williams; Marcus Horan, Mike Sherry, Stephen Archer, David Foley, Billy Holland, David O’Callaghan, Sean Dougall, Tommy O’Donnell.
Replacements: Damien Varley, John Ryan, Wian du Preez, Ian Nagle, Paddy Butler, Peter Stringer, Danny Barnes, Johne Murphy.
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