Laulala and Downey take centre stage for Munster

New coach Rob Penney has made four changes to his starting 15 for Munster’s second pre-season friendly against Bristol at Musgrave Park on Friday at Musgrave Park (7pm).

New signings Casey Laulala and James Downey start in the centres with Damien Varley in for rookie Ger Slattery. Elsewhere, Dave Foley is in for Brian Hayes while Paddy Butler replaces James Coughlan.

Although long-term injury victims Felix Jones and Niall Ronan are still missing, and there is still no sign of internationals Paul O’Connell, Ronan O’Gara, Donncha O’Callaghan, Keith Earls, Donnacha Ryan, Peter O’Mahony, Simon Zebo and Conor Murray, Penney has been able to introduce a bit more experience.