Major changes for Munster side to face Cardiff

Anthony Foley has made 11 changes to the starting fifteen that

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beat Saracens in Thomond last Friday night.

Anthony Foley has made 11 changes to the starting fifteen that

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With players away on international duty a very different side, led by Donncha O’Callaghan, will line-out in Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday evening for their PRO12 encounter with Cardiff Blues.

BJ Botha retains his position at tighthead and is joined by a returning John Ryan at loosehead while Kevin O’Byrne starts at hooker.

Billy Holland moves from the bench to the starting 15 and joins captain O’Callaghan in the second row.

In the back row CJ Stander starts once more, but at number eight this week rather than six. Robin Copeland comes in at number eight in his place and Paddy Butler joins them at number seven.

Duncan Williams starts at scrumhalf and JJ Hanrahan at outhalf. Joining them in the halfbacks is Academy player Rory Scannell for his first senior appearance, partnered with the returning Andrew Smith.

Gerhard van den Heever comes in on the left wing with Andrew Conway remaining on the right wing and Johne Murphy joining them to complete the back three.

Munster team in full: Johne Murphy, Andrew Conway, Andrew Smith, Rory Scannell, Gerhard van den Heever; JJ Hanrahan, Duncan Williams; John Ryan, Kevin O'Byrne, BJ Botha; Donncha O'Callaghan - capt, Billy Holland; CJ Stander, Paddy Butler, Robin Copeland

Replacements: Eusebio Guinazu, Alan Cotter, Stephen Archer, Sean McCarthy, Barry O'Mahony, Cathal Sheridan, Johnny Holland, Ronan O'Mahony

The match kicks off at 5.15pm on November 1 in Cardiff Arms Park