Although they are without some of the personnel that helped them record a famous win in Perpignan last Sunday, Munster still show a strong hand for the St Stephen’s Day Magners League clash with Connacht at Thomond Park.
Nine of the side that recorded that victory in the Stade Aime Giral are absent as is Denis Leamy who suffered an ankle injury in the last play of the game that rules him out for at least four months.
However, the man who pulled the strings, Ronan O’Gara, leads the side on Saturday and two of the try scorers, Denis Hurley and Jean de Villiers are also included in the starting line-up while man of the match Paul Warwick can be called on from the bench should the need arise.
Ireland A international Felix Jones gets a run at full back and Ian Dowling replaces Doug Howlett on the left wing.
It’s a game that provides Munster with the opportunity to get their Magners campaign back on track according to Mick O'Driscoll.
“We wouldn’t be at all happy with our form in the league. Its something we’ve spoken about and need to address. This game provides not only the chance to do that but also gives lads the opportunity to put their hands up.”
After the high of last weekend the possibility of complacency won’t be an issue according to O'Driscoll.
“Not at all, the changes freshen things up and brings a different impetus to the side,” he said.
“Connacht have done every bit as well as us in Europe these past weeks and they’ll be full of confidence. So no, we know what we’ll be up against. These game are never a gimme. Never easy.”
Centre Keith Matthews and flanker Johnny O'Connor return after injury for Connacht.
Fullback Gavin Duffy takes over the captaincy from John Muldoon in a side that shows nine changes from last weekend’s victory over Worcester in the Amlin Challenge Cup.
Troy Nathan comes in on the right wing, with Liam Bibo switching to the left in the absence of top try-scorer Fionn Carr, who is rested. Matthews joins Niva Ta'auso in midfield, with Aidan Wynne moving to the bench.
There is a new partnership at halfback with Miah Nikora and Conor O’Loughlin coming in for Ian Keatley and Frank Murphy.
Hooker Adrian Flavin and prop Jamie Hagan come into the frontrow, while Michael Swift joins Bernie Upton at lock.
Former Ireland flanker O’Connor takes over from Ray Ofisa at openside, while Mike McComish replaces Muldoon at number six. New signing George Naoupu remains at number eight.
Munster:F Jones; D Hurley, T Gleeson, J de Villiers, I Dowling; R O'Gara (capt), P Stringer; J Brugnaut, D Varley, T Buckley, M O'Driscoll, D Ryan, B Holland, N Ronan, N Williams. Reps:M Sherry, W du Preez, J Coughlan, T O'Donnell, D Williams, P Warwick, S Deasy.
Connacht:G Duffy (capt); T Nathan, N Ta'auso, K Matthews, L Bibo; M Nikora, C O'Loughlin; B Wilkinson, A Flavin, J Hagan, M Swift, B Upton, M McComish, J O'Connor, G Naoupu. Reps:D Murphy, R Loughney, A Browne, I Keatley, R Ofisa, K Campbell, A Wynne.
