Tadhg Beirne returns as McMillan makes 10 changes for Challenge Cup meeting with Exeter Chiefs 

Scrum-half Ben O’Donovan in line for his Munster debut after joining from Canterbury in February. 

EURO JOURNEY: Tadhg Beirne of Munster in action against Castres Olympique. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Clayton McMillan has made 10 changes to the Munster side beaten narrowly at URC rivals Bulls last weekend as Tadhg Beirne returns to captain the province in this Saturday’s Challenge Cup Round of 16 clash at Exeter Chiefs.

Ireland half-backs Craig Casey and Jack Crowley, academy full-back Ben O’Connor, inside centre Alex Nankivell and openside flanker Alex Kendellen are the five players retained from the 34-31 loss in South Africa. Hooker Diarmuid Barron, wing Calvin Nash and back-rower Brian Gleeson were all ruled out through injury after sustaining concussions at Loftus Versfeld while last Saturday’s starting locks Fineen Wycherley and Jean Kleyn are also unavailable due to knee and ankle injuries.