Munster coach Tony McGahan has made three changes from the side that started against Glasgow Warriors for the opening Heineken Cup game against French side Montauban.
Two of those changes are in the backs where Barry Murphy makes way for Lifeimi Mafi - Murphy listed among the replacements - while Ian Dowling returns to the wing in place of Anthony Horgan.
Up front, Jerry Flannery returns to the front row while Denis Fogarty gets the nod over Frank Sheahan as cover for Flannery, following impressive performances from the Cashel man in the A game a fortnight ago and the second half of the game against the Warriors last Saturday.
Speaking of the changes McGahan said, 'The side chosen for this first ERC game is one based on current form. This side is we believe is the best fit to get a result against a very competitive Montauban XV.
'There were some tough decisions because almost the whole squad of players were given an opportunity to impress over the course of the Magners League campaign to date and put their hand up for selection.'
Munster team to play Montauban in the Heineken Cup at Thomond Park on Friday, 8.00pm:
K Earls, D Howlett, R Tipoki, L Mafi, I Dowling, R O'Gara, P Stringer M Horan, J Flannery, J Hayes P O'Connell capt, D O'Callaghan, A Quinlan, D Wallace, J Melck.
Replacements: D Fogarty, F Pucciariello, D Ryan, J O'Sullivan, M Prendergast, P Warwick, B Murphy,
