O’Connell to start against Zebre for Munster

Paul O’Connell was named amongst the starters as Anthony Foley made seven changes to the Munster starting 15 to face Zebre.

Foley’s men welcome the Italian side to Thomond Park tomorrow night after recording their first PRO12 win of the season last week away to Treviso.

Conor Murray returns at scrum-half and is joined in the half-backs by a graduate of the Greencore Munster academy. Johnny Holland was given a senior development contract at the start of this season and tomorrow night will make his first competitive start for Munster alongside Murray.

Paddy Butler also makes his first start of the season, joining Tommy O’Donnell and Robin Copeland in the back row.

Captain Felix Jones stays at full-back and Simon Zebo retains his place on the left wing, but Ronan O’Mahony starts on the right wing in place of Andrew Conway.

Munster team in full:Felix Jones – capt, Ronan O'Mahony, Andrew Smith, Denis Hurley, Simon Zebo; Johnny Holland, Conor Murray; James Cronin, Duncan Casey, BJ Botha; Billy Holland, Paul O'Connell; Paddy Butler, Tommy O'Donnell, Robin Copeland.

Replacements: Kevin O'Byrne, Dave Kilcoyne, John Ryan, Donncha O'Callaghan, Sean Dougall, Duncan Williams, JJ Hanrahan, Johne Murphy

Zebre team in full: Hendrik Daniller, David Odiete, Giulio Bisegni, Kelly Haimona, Giulio Toniolatti, Edoardo Padovani, Guglielmo Palazzani

Replacements: Samuela Vunisa, Filippo Cristiano, Mauro Bergamasco, George Biagi, Quintin Geldenhuys - capt, Luciano Leibson, Andrea Manici, Andrea Lovotti

The match kicks-off in Thomond Park on Friday September 19 at 7.30pm.