Munster give trio debuts for Connacht clash

Munster coach Tony McGahan has taken the opportunity to award debuts Declan Cusack, Simon Zebo and Danny Barnes on Sunday in the crucial Magners League game against Connacht at The Sportsground.

It is the first true sight of the next generation of players coming through the system with Zebo especially effective in the U20 Six Nations.

Out-half Cusack has been playing well in the British & Irish Cup and for Munster A throughout the season.

Paul Warwick and Peter Stringer provide the wily presence in the backs, with Warwick at inside centre alongside Tom Gleeson and Scott Deasy at full-back.

MUNSTER (v Connacht): Scott Deasy; Simon Zebo, Tom Gleeson, Paul Warwick, Danny Barnes; Declan Cusack, Peter Stringer; Dave Ryan, Damien Varley, Tony Buckley, Mick O'Driscoll (capt) Billy Holland; Nick Williams, Niall Ronan, James Coughlan.

Replacements: Denis Fogarty, Julien Brugnaut, Dave Foley, Peter O'Mahoney, Conor Murray, Jeremy Manning, Sean Scanlon.