Flannery starts at ten for the first time as JvG makes eleven changes for Zebre clash

Munster Head Coach Johann van Graan has named his side for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship clash against Zebre in Parma.

Seven of the 19 Munster players who were in AIL action last weekend are included in the squad.

Jack O’Donoghue captains Munster with 11 changes to the side that defeated Wasps 45-7 last week.

Jake Flannery starts at out-half for the first time on his fifth Munster appearance and winger Calvin Nash returns from an ankle injury for his first appearance since September.

Jean Kleyn keeps his place to start on his 100th Munster appearance. Matt Gallagher, Nash and Shane Daly form the back three with a centre partnership of Dan Goggin and Liam Coombes. Goggin and Coombes lined out on opposite sides of last week’s Limerick derby between Young Munster and Garryowen.

Neil Cronin and Flannery are in the half-backs.

Jeremy Loughman, Diarmuid Barron and Keynan Knox pack down in the front row with Kleyn and Fineen Wycherley in the engine room.

O’Donoghue, John Hodnett and Jack O’Sullivan complete the starting XV.

Greencore Munster Rugby Academy trio Scott Buckley, Alex Kendellen and Paddy Patterson are among the replacements.

Munster: Matt Gallagher; Calvin Nash, Liam Coombes, Dan Goggin, Shane Daly; Jake Flannery, Neil Cronin; Jeremy Loughman, Diarmuid Barron, Keynan Knox; Jean Kleyn, Fineen Wycherley; Jack O’Donoghue (C), John Hodnett, Jack O’Sullivan.

Replacements: Scott Buckley, Josh Wycherley, Roman Salanoa, Thomas Ahern, Alex Kendellen, Paddy Patterson, Jack Crowley, Chris Farrell.