Penney names strong side for last match
Head coach Rob Penney has named a strong team for Munster’s final RaboDirect PRO 12 match of the season tomorrow night.
It will be a night of firsts, provided the game against Zebre at the Stadio XXV Aprile doesn’t end in a draw.
Munster are looking for their first win on the road in 2013, while Zebre continue to hunt for their first victory in this season’s league campaign.
Penney has named an experienced pack, featuring Australia-bound Paul O’Connell, who was included in Warren Gatland’s British and Irish Lions squad.
Sean Dougall returns to a senior starting XV side for the first time since March and is joined by Dave O'Callaghan and Paddy Butler in the backrow.
The New Zealander has opted for an experimental backline with Ian Keatley named at inside centre alongside Casey Laulala, allowing JJ Hanrahan to take the reins at pivot, partnering Cathal Sheridan at half-back.
Academy player Ronan O'Mahony gets his second Rabo start while Academy prop James Cronin is named in the replacements for his potential second outing also.
Promising Dolphin back Cian Bohane is named in his first RaboDirect PRO12 squad.
Munster (v. Zebre): D Hurley; R O'Mahony, C Laulala, I Keatley, J Murphy; JJ Hanrahan, C Sheridan, D Kilcoyne, M Sherry, J Ryan; B Holland, P O'Connell; Dave O'Callaghan, S Dougall, P Butler.
Replacements: D Varley, J Cronin, BJ Botha, I Nagle, N Ronan, D Williams, C Bohane, F Jones.