Munster make seven changes for Zebre trip

Dave Foley starts for Munster

There has been seven changes to the Munster side defeated by Connacht last week for Saturday’s trip to Zebre in the PRO12.

Eusebio Guinazu makes his first start of the season at loosehead prop and is joined in the front row by Stephen Archer at tighthead prop and Kevin O’Byrne at hooker.

Dave Foley returns to the second row at number four with Billy Holland beside him. In the back row CJ Stander retains his place at eight with Peter O’Mahony starting at openside flanker and Dave O’Callaghan back from injury to play at blindside.

JJ Hanrahan, bound for Northampton at the end of the season, starts at 12 with Pat Howard playing at outside centre, while Conor Murray and Ian Keatley in the half-backs.

Felix Jones is in at full-back so Simon Zebo moves to the left wing with Ronan O’Mahony starting on the right.

Keith Earls is on the bench for the first team since he was injured in pre-season and James Cronin could also make an appearance, named among the replacements after recovering from a shoulder injury.

Zebre v Munster Saturday January 10th at the Stadio XXV Aprile - kick-off 3pm Irish time (4pm local).

Munster team in full: Felix Jones; Ronan O'Mahony, Pat Howard, JJ Hanrahan, Simon Zebo; Ian Keatley, Conor Murray; Eusebio Guinazu, Kevin O'Byrne, Stephen Archer; Dave Foley, Billy Holland; Dave O'Callaghan, Peter O'Mahony - capt., CJ Stander.

Replacements: Niall Scannell, James Cronin, John Ryan, Donncha O'Callaghan, Paddy Butler, Duncan Williams, Keith Earls, Johne Murphy.