Anthony Foley takes over the number 8 berth and the captain's armband for Munster's opening Celtic League game against Border Reivers in Thomond Park on Friday.
Keogh moves to blind-side flanker with Denis Leamy coming into the side at open-side wing-forward. The other change up front sees Marcus Horan come in at loose-head prop ahead of Frank Roche. Roche is listed among the replacements.
Only two of the backs, Paul Burke and Rob Henderson, who started against Leicester retain their positions for this game. Shaun Payne missed the Leicester game through injury and is restored to full-back while Trevor Halstead now partners Henderson in the centre.
David Wallace finds himself in new territory as he is named to start on the wing for the first time in his Munster career.
Coach Declan Kidney emphasised the need to try players in different position s give the injuries that the panel has already experienced. He said: "With the number of injuries we have now at the start of the season it's important we try all our options, use various combinations and see how they work."
Munster (v. Border Reivers):
15 Shaun Payne
14 David Wallace
13 Trevor Halstead
12 Rob Henderson
11 John Kelly
10 Paul Burke
9 Peter Stringer
1 Marcus Horan
2 Jerry Flannery
3 Federico Pucciariello
4 Trevor Hogan
5 Mick O'Driscoll
6 Stephen Keogh
7 Denis Leamy
8 Anthony Foley (capt)
