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Earls Returns to Munster Squad to Face Zebre

Friday, 9 January 2015 12:03

Keith Earls returns from injury to take a place on the Munster bench for tomorrows Guinness Pro 12 clash away to  Zebre. Munster Head Coach Anthony Foley has made 7 changes to the side that lost to Connacht at the Sportsground on New Years Day. In the front row Eusebio Guinazu makes his first start for the province, doing so at loosehead alongside hooker Kevin O'Byrne and tighthead Stephen Archer, both of whom come back into the starting line-up. The return of Dave Foley to the second row will see Billy Holland wear the number 5 jersey this weekend, while in the back row number 8 CJ Stander is the only player remaining in situ from the Sportsgound defeat. Dave O'Callaghan makes his first start since returning from injury at blindside with Peter O'Mahony moving to openside for the first time this season. Conor Murray resumes his partnership with Ian Keatley in the half-backs and JJ Hanrahan and Pat Howard continue in the midfield at inside and outside centre respectively. Just one personnel change in the back three sees Felix Jones come in at fullback meaning Simon Zebo reverts back to the left wing with Ronan O'Mahony on the opposite flank. Munster: Felix Jones; Ronan O'Mahony, Pat Howard, JJ Hanrahan, Simon Zebo; Ian Keatley, Conor Murray; Eusebio Guinazu, Kevin O'Byrne, Stephen Archer; Dave Foley, Billy Holland; Dave O'Callaghan, Peter O'Mahony - capt., CJ Stander. Replacements: Niall Scannell, James Cronin, John Ryan, Donncha O'Callaghan, Paddy Butler, Duncan Williams, Keith Earls, Johne Murphy. Tune into the Big Red Bench with Ruairi O'Hagan and Lisa Lawlor every Saturday and Sunday from 6pm

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