Ryan and Zebo return for Munster
Head Coach Anthony Foley has named his side for tomorrow evening's Interprovincial clash against Ulster at Thomond Park – ko 6pm. Returning internationals Simon Zebo and Donnacha Ryan are included in the matchday squad with new signing Mario Sagario in line to make his first appearance for the province.
In total Foley makes 7 changes to the starting XV that lost away to Scarlets last Friday night.
James Cronin and Mike Sherry come back in and join BJ Botha in the front row, while in the second row, Dave Foley starts at 4 for the first time this season with Mark Chisholm continuing at 5.
In the back row, captain CJ Stander makes the switch to blindside and Jack O'Donoghue returns at openside while Robin Copeland reverts to number 8 for tomorrow evening's encounter.
After featuring twice from the bench in Munster's most recent league encounters, Tomás O'Leary will make his first start since returning to the province in partnering Ian Keatley in the half-backs.
Francis Saili comes back in to start alongside Denis Hurley in the midfield for the first time while the final change comes in the back-three and sees returning international Simon Zebo start on the right wing. Gerhard van den Heever remains on the left wing as does Andrew Conway at full-back.
Having joined the province on a three month contract Maria Sagario could feature for the first time this weekend after being named amongst the replacements. Donnacha Ryan, another World Cup returnee, is also included on the bench.
Munster: Andrew Conway; Simon Zebo, Francis Saili, Denis Hurley, Gerhard van den Heever; Ian Keatley, Tomás O'Leary; James Cronin, Mike Sherry, BJ Botha; Dave Foley, Mark Chisholm; CJ Stander Capt., Jack O'Donoghue, Robin Copeland.
Replacements: Duncan Casey, John Ryan, Mario Sagario, Donnacha Ryan, Jordan Coghlan, Duncan Williams, Rory Scannell, Ronan O'Mahony.
Ticket & Event Information
Family terrace packs for €40 and general tickets can be bought online via Ticketmaster.ie, from the Munster Rugby Ticket Offices in Thomond Park and Irish Independent Park or by calling 0818 719 300. Tickets will be available to purchase on the night.
Night of the Living Red
With the school mid-term break we're getting into the spooky spirit of things with a free Halloween Fancy Dress party prior to kick-off in The Dugout Bar and Fanzone Plaza.
The party is open to all children under the age of 16 years and the Munster Rugby Supporters Club will be on hand with plenty of prizes up for grabs for best dressed and more.