Munster's Niall Scannell looking to regain lost ground against Zebre

Hooker Niall Scannell is just one of a number of Munster players placing more importance than usual on Saturday night’s Guinness PRO14 clash with Zebre at Thomond Park.

Scannell had established himself as an Irish international and a member of Joe Schmidt’s selection when the season began.

But two injuries disrupted his campaign so badly that he is no longer in the Irish Six Nations squad and has a battle on his hands to hold onto the Munster jersey.