Hayes to start in his last outing for Munster

A start for John Hayes in his last Munster game represents one of 11 changes to Tony McGahan’s starting XV from last weekend for the St. Stephen’s Day RaboDirect PRO12 meeting with Connacht in Thomond Park.

Just four players - Keith Earls, Simon Zebo, Donncha O'Callaghan and Niall Ronan remain in situ after the Scarlets game while four more - Conor Murray, Ronan O'Gara, Paul O'Connell and Donnacha Ryan are unavailable on account of the Irish player management programme.