Team Named For Edinburgh Encounter

In the penultimate round of the league, Munster travel to Meggetland for Saturday evening's clash against Edinburgh, ko 5pm.

After last night's Ospreys defeat to Zebre Munster are now guaranteed a semi-final place in the PRO12 with Leinster and Glasgow. But the province will continue to battle for a top-two finish with the Edinburgh challenge up first this weekend.

A new look front row sees James Cronin and John Ryan pack down on either side of Duncan Casey. Having featured last weekend against Toulon, Cronin makes his first start for the province since Treviso in March.

The familiar duo of Paul O'Connell and Donncha O'Callaghan combine forces in the second row while Tommy O'Donnell and Paddy Butler return to the starting line-up alongside CJ Stander in the back row. Last time out in the league Butler impressed with a man of the match performance, securing the bonus point try at the Sportsground.

After an excellent rehab on a groin injury, JJ Hanrahan suffered no ill effects from the last 20 minutes of last weekend's encounter in Marseille and partners up with Conor Murray in the half backs.

Denis Hurley and Johne Murphy, both of whom signed new contracts with Munster this week, form the centre partnership. While Simon Zebo switches to full-back this weekend with Andrew Conway and Gerhard Van Den Heever introduced on the wings.

The province take a strong bench to Scotland that includes five of last weekend's starting team, and Luke O'Dea is named in his first senior squad of the season after overcoming a string of injuries.

Munster v Edinburgh, Sat May 3rd, Meggetland, KO 17:00.

Munster: Simon Zebo, Gerhard VD Heever, Johne Murphy, Denis Hurley, Andrew Conway, JJ Hanrahan, Conor Murray, James Cronin, Duncan Casey, John Ryan, Donncha O'Callaghan, Paul O'Connell Capt., CJ Stander, Tommy O'Donnell, Paddy Butler.

Replacements: Damien Varley, Dave Kilcoyne, Alan Cotter, Dave Foley, James Coughlan, Duncan Williams, Ian Keatley, Luke O'Dea.