The inclusion of Peter O’Mahony, Tommy O’Donnell, Donnacha Ryan, Simon Zebo, and Jaco Taute in the Munster 23 for today’s Guinness PRO12 clash with Zebre at Thomond Park has certainly ratcheted up fresh optimism among the Red Army immediately ahead of a crucially important part of the rugby season.

Connacht hope for a major change of fortunes when they face Zebre in the third round of the PRO12 in Parma this evening (5.05pm).

Munster 17 Zebre 0: Last night’s pre-season friendly at the Waterford Regional Sports Centre lacked the type of quality that Munster supporters will expect as the season progresses under a new coaching ticket, but South African boss Rassie Erasmus was pleased with the victory.