MUNSTER have unveiled their starting XV for the Investec Champions Cup tilt with Saracens at Thomond Park on Saturday, 5.30pm.
The attendance is expected to be upwards on 25,000 for a contest in which Ian Costello’s team are slight favourites to win.
There are three changes to the side that faced Leinster last time out as Jack Crowley, Conor Murray and Jack O’Donoghue all return.
Tom Farrell and Niall Scannell are both named having featured in all 12 games so far this season with Farrell making his 13th consecutive start.
Mike Haley is chosen at full-back with Calvin Nash and Shane Daly on either wing.
Ireland internationals Murray and Crowley team up in the half-backs as Rory Scannell and Farrell continue their centre partnership.
Scrum-half Murray returns from an elbow injury for his first Munster appearance since October and earns his 198th cap for the province.
Dian Bleuler, Niall Scannell and Oli Jager pack down in the front row with Fineen Wycherley and captain Tadhg Beirne completing an unchanged front five.
O’Donoghue returns from a shoulder injury to join Alex Kendellen and Gavin Coombes in the back row.
On the injury front, Peter O’Mahony was unavailable for selection as he continues to recover from a calf contusion.
Munster: Mike Haley; Calvin Nash, Tom Farrell, Rory Scannell, Shane Daly; Jack Crowley, Conor Murray; Dian Bleuler, Niall Scannell, Oli Jager; Fineen Wycherley, Tadhg Beirne, captain; Jack O’Donoghue, Alex Kendellen, Gavin Coombes.
Replacements: Diarmuid Barron, John Ryan, Stephen Archer, Tom Ahern, John Hodnett, Paddy Patterson, Billy Burns, Brian Gleeson.
