Anthony Foley has made three changes from the Munster side that defeated Treviso away for this weekend’s return to Thomond Park.
Munster weclome Newport-Gwent Dragons on Saturday for Round 17 of the PRO 12 competition.
Following his Six Nations involvement against England in Twickenham last weekend, Simon Zebo has been made available to the province and will make his first appearance in red since January.
Stephen Archer also returns to the matchday squad after successfully overcoming a neck injury that has kept him sidelined since October.
Archer Set For 100th Munster Cap - welcome back to the matchday 23 @Stevesarcher! https://t.co/0OBSuB4I1B#MunVNew pic.twitter.com/hhShDlsZo1
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) March 4, 2016
The first of two changes to the pack sees hooker Niall Scannell re-join Dave Kilcoyne and John Ryan in the front row.
Mark Chisholm and captain Billy Holland continue in the second row while in the back row,Tommy O’Donnell returns at 7 with Dave O’Callaghan and Jack O’Donoghue switching to 6 and 8 respectively.
Simon Zebo starts on the left wing in an otherwise unchanged backline.
Duncan Williams and Ian Keatley form the half-back partnership and Rory Scannell makes his tenth consecutive start at inside centre in partnering Francis Saili in the midfield.
Winger Darren Sweetnam and full-back Andrew Conway again complete the starting XV.
Munster v Newport-Gwent Dragons at Thomand Park on Sturday March 5 – kick-off 7.35pm.
Munster team: Andrew Conway; Darren Sweetnam, Francis Saili, Rory Scannell, Simon Zebo; Ian Keatley, Duncan Williams; Dave Kilcoyne, Niall Scannell, John Ryan; Mark Chisholm, Billy Holland – capt.; Dave O’Callaghan, Tommy O’Donnell, Jack O’Donoghue.
Replacements: Mike Sherry, James Cronin, Stephen Archer, Dave Foley, Robin Copeland, Cathal Sheridan, Johnny Holland, David Johnston.
