Penney makes changes as Munster look to get PRO12 challenge back on track

After last weekend’s drubbing at the hands of Treviso, Munster head coach Rob Penney has made five personnel changes for tomorrow night’s RaboDirect PRO12 meeting with Ospreys at Thomond Park (6.30pm).

Three of those changes accommodate the return of internationals Ronan O'Gara and Dave Kilcoyne, and skipper Doug Howlett.

The other notable change is at scrum-half where opportunity knocks for Cathal Sheridan who makes his first competitive start for Munster while Penney continues to rotate Garryowen hookers Damien Varley and Mike Sherry with Varley getting the nod for tomorrow’s encounter.

Felix Jones and Denis Hurley join Howlett in the back three with James Downey and Casey Laulala favoured in midfield.

After a forgettable contribution from the bench against Scotland in the Six Nations last weekend, Ronan O’Gara returns to Munster colours and will link up with Sheridan at half-back.

Stephen Archer will pack down alongside Varley and Kilcoyne in the front row with Ian Nagle and Billy Holland continuing their partnership at lock.

The back row combination of Paddy Butler, Tommy O’Donnell and James Coughlan remains unchanged for the visit of the defending champions.

Having lost seven games in the league this season Munster find themselves sixth in the table, six points off the play-off places with the Ospreys currently occupying fourth spot.

After back-to-back defeats the southern province need to turn their form around if they are to mount a challenge for a top four finish.

Munster (v. Ospreys): F Jones; D Howlett, C Laulala, J Downey, D Hurley; R O’Gara, C Sheridan; D Kilcoyne, D Varley, S Archer; I Nagle, B Holland; P Butler, T O’Donnell, J Coughlan.

Replacements: M Sherry, W du Preez, BJ Botha, D Foley, S Dougall, D Williams, I Keatley, I Dineen.