Munster make eight changes for trip to Glasgow

Simon Zebo starts for his 150th Munster appearance as Gavin Coombes returns

Simon Zebo will be making his 150th appearance for Munster in Glasgow on Friday night. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho
Simon Zebo will be making his 150th appearance for Munster in Glasgow on Friday night. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho

Simon Zebo would no doubt prefer to be returning to Paris this weekend but instead he will be making his 150th appearance for Munster in Glasgow on Friday night as the wait goes on to add to his 35 Irish caps (kick-off 8.15pm, live on TG4).

The 31-year old will hope to crown the milestone by adding to his 64 career tries for Munster as Johann van Graan’s men bid to extend their good run of results against Scottish opposition, having not lost to either of them since a 19-16 reversal against Edinburgh in November 2019.

Munster, currently fifth in the table, are two points adrift of Glasgow Warriors in third, although they have a game in hand on Warriors and two games in hand against leaders Ulster who are seven points ahead.

Munster are boosted by the return of No 8 Gavin Coombes as they make eight changes to the side which beat Zebre in Parma, with Mike Haley, Chris Farrell, Rory Scannell and Ben Healy returning at the back, while Stephen Archer and Chris Cloete are also back up front in a side again skippered by Jack O’Donoghue.

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It will be the 36th clash between the sides in the league with Munster having won 21, Glasgow 13 and there has been one draw.

Munster: Mike Haley; Shane Daly, Chris Farrell, Rory Scannell, Simon Zebo; Ben Healy, Neil Cronin; Jeremy Loughman, Diarmuid Barron, Stephen Archer; Jean Kleyn, Fineen Wycherley; Jack O'Donoghue (Capt), Chris Cloete, Gavin Coombes.

Replacements: Kevin O’Byrne, Josh Wycherley, John Ryan, Cian Hurley, Alex Kendellen, Paddy Patterson, Jack Crowley, John Hodnett.