Seán O’Brien handed first start in Munster midfield

O'Brien has been handed the inside centre reins for the first time by Graham Rowntree, a position he frequented during his time at Premiership outfit Exeter Chiefs.

FAMILIAR SURROUNDINGS: Munster's Sean O'Brien has been handed the inside centre reins for the first time by Graham Rowntree. Pic: Ben Brady, Inpho

Seán O’Brien is set for his first start in the Munster midfield against the Lions on Saturday in the only change to the URC champions’ line-up from last weekend’s historic win at the Bulls.

Graham Rowntree’s squad was due to leave Cape Town on Friday to fly to Johannesburg ahead of the Ellis Park clash as they bid to close in on a top-four finish in the standings that will earn them a home quarter-final draw in the end of season play-offs.