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Keith Earls and James Cronin on the bench for Munster trip to Zebre

The province have named a potent backline with Conor Murray, Ian Keatley and JJ Hanrahan all involved.

MUNSTER HEAD COACH Anthony Foley has been able to include both Keith Earls and James Cronin in his matchday 23 this weekend.

Both players made a welcome return to full training this week after spells on the sidelines injured and will take their place among the replacements for the trip to face Zebre (Saturday, 15.00).

Earls will be hoping to make his first start of the season after undergoing knee surgery in September. Loosehead prop Cronin returns having sustained a shoulder injury against Clermont – which was his first game back after an earlier ankle problem.

The starting line-up sees seven changes from the New Year’s Day loss in Galway including Conor Murray at half-back.

Eusebio Guinazo will win his first start for Munster at loosehead while, in the back row, captain Peter O’Mahony lines out at openside to allow Dave O’Callaghan make his first start since a knee injury sustained against the Italian side last February.

Munster (v Zebre):

15. Felix Jones

14. Ronan O’Mahony

13. Pat Howard

12. JJ Hanrahan

11. Simon Zebo

10. Ian Keatley

9. Conor Murray

1. Eusebio Guinazu

2. Kevin O’Byrne

3. Stephen Archer

4. Dave Foley

5. Billy Holland

6. Dave O’Callaghan

7. Peter O’Mahony (capt)

8. CJ Stander.

Replacements:

16. Niall Scannell

17. James Cronin

18. John Ryan

19. Donncha O’Callaghan

20. Paddy Butler

21. Duncan Williams

22. Keith Earls

23. Johne Murphy.

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