Conway out to nail down Munster starting spot

RABO DIRECT PRO12:

Conway recovered from a dead leg sustained in the pre-season friendly against Gloucester and is named in a side that also includes JJ Hanrahan and Cathal Sheridan at half-back. Damian Varley will captain the side while Donncha Ryan makes his first appearance of the season alongside Ian Nagle in the second row.

The selection of CJ Stander, Tommy O’Donnell and Paddy Butler in a new-look back row from the team that defeated Edinburgh highlights the competition for places both in the team and squad. The availability of James Downey after injury leaves him with an opportunity for game time off the bench, but Ivan Dineen gets another start and a chance to push for a Heineken Cup squad place.