Earls back as Munster build for big games

Keith Earls is set to return from injury for Munster tomorrow for the RaboDirect Pro12 clash with Cardiff Blues as Rob Penney marshals his big guns for a crucial month ahead.

The Ireland and Lions back has been out since early December having suffered a groin problem in training ahead of the Heineken Cup round four game at Saracens and is one of 12 changes to the Munster team for tomorrow’s Musgrave Park game. Earls will start at outside centre in a midfield partnership with James Downey, who is one of just three players alongside Doug Howlett and Conor Murray to retain their places from the 24-10 home league win over Ulster last Saturday.

Penney’s back-row options have also been strengthened with the return of CJ Stander to the replacements bench after the South African broke a bone in his right hand in just his second appearance for Munster, a two-try starting debut against Glasgow on December 1. And Sean Dougall makes his first start at openside in his comeback from a knee injury suffered in the away game with Cardiff on November 2.