Ireland Six Nations hero Simon Zebo is back in red this weekend after Munster named their side for tomorrow's PRO12 tie with Connacht at Thomond Park (5.15)
Connacht are sixth going into the match while Munster are third, but they could go top if they win depending on results elsewhere this weekend.
Tommy O'Donnell returns at openside for Munster while John Ryan and Stephen Archer come in to start on either side of Eusebio Guinazu in the front row.
MunXV v Connacht: Jones; Earls, Smith, Hurley(c), Zebo; Keats, Williams; Ryan, Guinazu, Archer; DO’C, Holland; DaveO’C, TO’D, CJ #MunVCon
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) March 27, 2015
Centre Andrew Smith makes his first start since returning from injury while Keith Earls moves to the right wing with Simon Zebo returning to the opposite flank.
Felix Jones completes the back three, reverting to full-back for this weekend's clash.
Munster: Felix Jones; Keith Earls, Andrew Smith, Denis Hurley (c), Simon Zebo; Ian Keatley, Duncan Williams; John Ryan, Eusebio Guinazu, Stephen Archer; Donncha O'Callaghan, Billy Holland; Dave O'Callaghan, Tommy O'Donnell, CJ Stander. Replacements: Duncan Casey, Dave Kilcoyne, BJ Botha, Paddy Butler, Jack O'Donoghue, Neil Cronin, JJ Hanrahan, Ronan O'Mahony.
Connacht have made three changes in the backline. Darragh Leader comes onto the right wing while Tiernan O'Halloran shifts to fullback.
Looking forward to welcoming Irish captains @Paul_OConnell & @niamhbriggs15 with #6NationsTrophies at HT tomorrow @thomondstadium #MunVCon
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) March 27, 2015
Scrum-half Kieran Marmion returns for a new half-back pairing with Jack Carty, while Craig Ronaldson moves to outside centre.
Robbie Henshaw is unavailable under the IRFU's player-management rules.
Connacht: Tiernan O’Halloran; Darragh Leader, Danie Poolman, Craig Ronaldson, Matt Healy; Jack Carty, Kieran Marmion; Denis Buckley, Tom McCartney, Rodney Ah You; Mick Kearney, Aly Muldowney; John Muldoon (c), Eoghan Masterson, George Naoupu. Replacements: Shane Delahunt, Ronan Loughney, Finlay Bealham, Quinn Roux, Eoin McKeon, John Cooney, Shane O’Leary, Conor Finn.
Elsewhere, tonight Leinster welcome Glasgow Warriors to the RDS needing a win to get back into the play-off spots, while second-placed Ulster meet Cardiff at Kingspan Stadium. Both matches kick off at 7.35.
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