Earls on the bench for Munster as Foley makes seven changes

Keith Earls is expected to make his first appearance of the season for Munster tomorrow, as he starts on the bench for their visit for Zebre.

Loose-head James Cronin is also in line to return to action from the bench, after his shoulder injury against Clermont in December.

In total, Anthony Foley has made seven changes to his side from the New Year’s Day defeat to Connacht.

In the pack, the versatile Eusebio Guinazu starts at loose-head for his first Munster start, with Kevin O’Byrne, who this week signed a contract extension until the end of the season at hooker, while Stephen Archer completes the front row.

Dave Foley replaces Paul O’Connell in the second row to partner Billy Holland, while in the back-row Peter O’Mahony moves from blind to openside flanker, Dave O’Callaghan replaces Tommy O’Donnell, and CJ Stander continues at number 8.

Conor Murray replaces Duncan Williams at scrum half, and partners Ian Keatley in the halfbacks.

JJ Hanrahan, who this week announced his departure for Northampton Saints, is at inside centre to continue his partnership with Pat Howard outside him.

Ronan O’Mahony switches from left to right wing to accommodate the returning Simon Zebo, who replaces Andrew Conway, while Felix Jones continues at full-back.

Munster: F Jones, R O’Mahony, P Howard, JJ Hanrahan, S Zebo, I Keatley, C Murray; E Guinazu, K O’Byrne, S Archer, D Foley, B Holland, D O’Callaghan, P O’Mahony, CJ Stander

The FootballJOE quiz: Were you paying attention? – episode 10