COACH Graham Rowntree has opted for minimal disruption to his starting XV for this Saturday’s Champions Cup pool tie with Northampton Saints at Thomond Park, 5.30pm.
There is one change to the side that stunningly beat Toulon in France as Oli Jager starts at tighthead prop after completing the return to play protocols. It will be Jager’s first Champions Cup start.
Tadhg Beirne captains the team as all nine Munster players who were chosen in the Ireland squad and training panel for the 6 Nations are named in the squad.
The unchanged backline includes three of last week’s try-scorers in Alex Nankivell, Calvin Nash and Simon Zebo.
Zebo, Nash and Shane Daly start together in the back three with Nankivell and Antoine Frisch continuing their centre partnership.
Ireland internationals Craig Casey and Jack Crowley are named in the half-backs.
Jeremy Loughman, Niall Scannell and Jager pack down in the front row with Tom Ahern, a try-scorer on Saturday, and Beirne in the engine room.
New Ireland captain Peter O’Mahony, John Hodnett and Gavin Coombes complete the side.
Eoghan Clarke, Josh Wycherley and John Ryan provide the front row back-up.
In player news, replacement hooker Eoghan Clarke, who joined Munster on a short-term deal in November, has signed a contract extension that will keep him at the province until the end of the season.
Munster: Simon Zebo; Calvin Nash, Antoine Frisch, Alex Nankivell, Shane Daly; Jack Crowley, Craig Casey; Jeremy Loughman, Niall Scannell, Oli Jager; Tom Ahern, Tadhg Beirne, captain; Peter O’Mahony, John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes.
Replacements: Eoghan Clarke, Josh Wycherley, John Ryan, Brian Gleeson, Alex Kendellen, Conor Murray, Joey Carbery, Seán O’Brien.
