Team News: Craig Casey and Matt Gallagher start for Munster against Connacht

Munster have named their team for this Friday’s Rainbow Cup fixture agianst Connacht at Thomond Park.

Johann Van Graan’s side are two from two in the competition following big wins against Leinster and Ulster.

There are nine changes from last week’s 38-10 win against Dan McFarland’s Ulstermen as Matt Gallagher, Damian de Allende, Ben Healy, Craig Casey, James Cronin, Rhys Marshall, Jean Kleyn, Billy Holland and CJ Stander all come into the side.

The game will be fullback Matt Gallagher’s first start since Novemeber against Zebre due to a serious shoulder injury. He is joined in the back three by the in-form Andrew Conway and Shane Daly.

Dan Goggin starts alongside Damian De Allende in the centre while exciting halfbacks Craig Casey and Ben Healy partner eachother at nine and ten.

Munster have gone with a strong forward pack with James Cronin, Marshall and John Ryan leading the charge in the frontrow. Jean Kleyn links up with the retiring Billy Holland in the engine room while the blockbusting backrow of Gavin Coombes, Peter O’Mahony and CJ Stander completes the side.

Munster: Matt Gallagher; Andrew Conway, Dan Goggin, Damian de Allende, Shane Daly; Ben Healy, Craig Casey; James Cronin, Rhys Marshall, John Ryan; Jean Kleyn, Billy Holland; Gavin Coombes, Peter O’Mahony (C), CJ Stander.

Replacements: Niall Scannell, Dave Kilcoyne, Stephen Archer, Tadhg Beirne, Jack O’Donoghue, Conor Murray, Joey Carbery, Keith Earls.