Munster without Murray for crucial Saracens game

Munster coach Anthony Foley has made eight changes to the starting 15 ahead of the province’s match against Saracens in the Champions Cup this weekend.

Conor Murray has been ruled out due to a neck injury and will be assessed again before next week’s game.

In his absence Duncan Williams will make his first European start at number nine.

Pat Howard and Denis Hurley will make up the midfield partnership and and Andrew Conway comes in to the back three alongside Simon Zebo and Felix Jones.

There is an all-new front row, Duncan Casey will be flaned by BJ Botha at tighthead prop and James Cronin at loosehead.

Paul o’Connell return to the second row with Dave Foley beside him. CJ Stander continues at number eight, with Tommy O’Donnell starting at openside flanker and Peter O’Mahony at blindside.

Keith Earls and Dave O’Callaghan are both included in the replacements.

Saracens v Munster is at the Allianz Park on Saturday January 17 - kick-off 1pm.

Munster team in full: Felix Jones; Andrew Conway, Pat Howard, Denis Hurley, Simon Zebo; Ian Keatley, Duncan Williams; James Cronin, Duncan Casey, BJ Botha; Dave Foley, Paul O'Connell; Peter O'Mahony Capt., Tommy O'Donnell, CJ Stander.

Replacements: Eusebio Guinazu, John Ryan, Stephen Archer, Billy Holland, Dave O'Callaghan, Ronan O'Mahony, JJ Hanrahan, Keith Earls.