Munster heavyweights return in nine changes
Stringer, O’Gara, Horan, Foley, O’Connell, O’Callaghan and Quinlan all make their first starts of the season this Sunday against Llanelli as Alan Gaffney makes nine changes in total.
Alan Gaffney has named a strong side for this Sunday’s clash against the defending Celtic League champions, Llanelli Scarlets.
The remainder of Munster’s international squad are now available to him and Gaffney has not hesitated to include them in the starting lineup.
Hence, Stringer and O’Gara resume at halfback, Marcus Horan completes an international front front five, with Paul O’Connell and Donncha O’Callaghan also returning.
The backrow is interesting not just because Anthony Foley and Alan Quinlan return, but also because Denis Leamy retains the openside berth, with David Wallace dropping to the bench.
Jason Holland makes way for Rob Henderson and Mike Mullins in the centre. With Christian Cullen, Anthony Horgan and John Kelly, who makes his 101st appearance for Munster, completing the lineup, it’s clear that Munster have had quite enough of the taste of defeat. That said, they can expect that with so many making their seasonal bow, it is going to take a while for them to hit their straps.
Munster (v Llanelli Scarlets): C Cullen; J Kelly, M Mullins, R Henderson, A Horgan; R O’Gara, P Stringer; M Horan, F Sheahan, J Hayes, D O’Callaghan, P O’Connell, A Quinlan, D Leamy, A Foley (Capt).
Replacements: G McIlwham, J Flannery, T Hogan, D Wallace, M Prendergast, P Burke, J Storey.