Ronan O’Gara will return to the Munster side on Saturday to lead them for their Magners League derby encounter with Ulster at Thomond Park Stadium (kick-off 7.30pm).
Denis Hurley has also been included in the Munster back-line, along with Kieran Lewis who takes over from Ian Dowling on the left wing.
Centre Rua Tipoki returns to the province’s starting line-up for the first time since the All Blacks game in mid-Novembe.
In the forwards, former Auckland Blues back rower Nick Williams will make his first senior start for Munster at number 8. He was used as a second half replacement in the 12-6 defeat to Connacht.
For the New Year visit of Ulster, Munster coach Tony McGahan has selected a reinforced pack, with recalls for Ireland internationals Jerry Flannery, John Hayes and Donncha O’Callaghan.
MUNSTER (v Ulster): Denis Hurley; Doug Howlett, Rua Tipoki, Lifeimi Mafi, Kieran Lewis; Ronan O’Gara (capt), Peter Stringer; Federico Pucciariello, Jerry Flannery, John Hayes, Donncha O’Callaghan, Mick O’Driscoll, Donnacha Ryan, Niall Ronan, Nick Williams.
Replacements: Denis Fogarty, Timmy Ryan, James Coughlan, Alan Quinlan, Mike Prendergast, Paul Warwick, Barry Murphy.
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