Munster team named for derby clash

Five personnel changes are made to Munster's starting line-up that defeated Newport Gwent Dragons at Rodney Parade, for Friday's Guinness Pro12 derby clash with Ulster at Thomond Park (kick off 7.35pm).

One change in the front row see's BJ Botha promoted from the bench to start at tighthead alongside hooker Duncan Casey and loosehead John Ryan.
Donncha O'Callaghan will once again captain the side and partner Billy Holland in the second row.

In the back row, Robin Copeland moves to 6 with Paddy Butler switching to openside, while CJ Standercomes back into the starting line up at 8.

Duncan Williams is another returning to the starting 15 at scrum half alongside Ian Keatley in the half backs. Having made his debut from the bench last weekend, centre Pat Howard will make his first start for Munster as he lines up outside Denis Hurley in the midfield.

 

Munster: JJ Hanrahan, Gerhard van den Heever, Pat Howard, Denis Hurley, Ronan O'Mahony; Ian Keatley, Duncan Williams; John Ryan, Duncan Casey, BJ Botha; Donncha O'Callaghan - capt, Billy Holland; Robin Copeland, Paddy Butler, CJ Stander. Replacements: Kevin O'Byrne, Dave Kilcoyne, Stephen Archer, Tommy O'Donnell, Sean Dougall, Neil Cronin, Andrew Smith, Felix Jones