Munster men on a mission in Parma

After signing a new two-year deal with the province, Billy Holland will lead Munster into Pro12 battle against Zebre at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi stadium in Parma this afternoon with the aim of helping his side strengthen their bid for a top-four spot.

Inevitably, with Ireland’s call taking precedence there are some familiar faces missing but Munster will be glad of the release from national camp of James Cronin, even if the player will be personally disappointed.

Head coach Anthony Foley has made eight changes from the side that started against Treviso in the European Cup last weekend. Darren Sweetnam is upgraded from the A team, Tomás O’Leary starts at scrum-half and Andrew Conway returns after injury to play 15. The other changes are in the pack, with Cronin and Niall Scannell in the front row, Mark Chisholm in the second row and Jack O’Donoghue along with Robin Copeland named behind them.