MUNSTER have some enforced changes for this Friday night’s sold-out URC Inter-pro derby with Leinster at Thomond Park, kick-off 7.35pm.
On the injury front, Peter O’Mahony (calf), Conor Murray (elbow) and Jack O’Donoghue (shoulder) were ruled out.
In line with IRFU player management guidelines, Jack Crowley was also unavailable for selection.
There are seven changes to the side that recorded a bonus-point victory away to Ulster last week.
Tadhg Beirne returns to captain Munster with Rory Scannell, Billy Burns, Ethan Coughlan, Dian Bleuler, Oli Jager and Alex Kendellen also coming into the starting XV.
There is a positional switch for Tom Ahern as he moves to the back row.
Mike Haley, Calvin Nash, and Shane Daly form an unchanged back three with Rory Scannell and last week’s Player of the Match Tom Farrell in midfield.
Coughlan and Burns start together in the half-backs.
Bleuler has completed the return-to-play protocols to make his fourth start at loosehead prop with Niall Scannell and Oli Jager completing the front row.
Fineen Wycherley and Beirne start in the engine room with Ahern, Alex Kendellen and Gavin Coombes completing the team.
Leinster have been installed as 1/4 favourites to win.
Munster: Mike Haley; Calvin Nash, Tom Farrell, Rory Scannell, Shane Daly; Billy Burns, Ethan Coughlan; Dian Bleuler, Niall Scannell, Oli Jager; Fineen Wycherley, Tadhg Beirne, captain; Tom Ahern, Alex Kendellen, Gavin Coombes.
Replacements: Diarmuid Barron, Kieran Ryan, John Ryan, Brian Gleeson, John Hodnett, Paddy Patterson, Tony Butler, Ben O’Connor.
