Connacht team to face Munster

The international trio of Robbie Henshaw, Kieran Marmion and Rodney Ah You all return for the opening game of 2015. All Black centurion Mils Muliaina starts at full back while Galway man Darragh Leader moves to the right wing with Danie Poolman on the left.

From last week, Bundee Aki shifts to inside centre to partner Henshaw for the second time this season while 24-year-old Craig Ronaldson is handed the reigns at outhalf.

Denis Buckley is named at loosehead prop for his 15th appearance of the season and starts in a front row with hooker Tom McCartney and Ah You at tighthead.

Quinn Roux returns form the ankle injury that forced him to withdraw late in Belfast last week, and partners try scorer Aly Muldowney in the second row.

Eoin McKeon has recovered from injury to take his place at Number 8 in a back row with flankers John Muldoon and Willie Faloon.

Commenting on the team selection and the upcoming game, Head Coach Pat Lam said:

"I've always said that it is so important that we are comfortable adapting our style of play to suit the different conditions and opposition over a long season. Tomorrow we face a very direct and physical Munster side with an excellent kicking game. They are undefeated in the interpro games, going back-to-back against Leinster and beating Ulster. Axel is doing a terrific job in in his first season as head coach and in their performances I have seen the uncompromising, tough and direct style that he was renowned for when I played against him.

"The changes to our own team reflect the game plan we have devised to try and combat the big challenge ahead.

"Having the physicality of Craig (Ronaldson), Robbie (Henshaw) and Bundee (Aki) in the front line will be key to our defence tomorrow. And the selection of the back three of Mils (Muliaina), Darragh (Leader) and Danie (Poolman) is directly linked to the quality of Munster's aerial threat and the tough weather conditions expected.

"It's been six years since we've beaten Munster and only once in the last 41 meetings. We know how big a test this is. It's going to be a very special atmosphere at a sold out Sportsground and like our supporters, we are all massively excited for this game."

Connacht team to face Munster
15. Mils Muliaina 14. Darragh Leader 13. Robbie Henshaw 12. Bundee Aki 11. Danie Poolman 10. Craig Ronaldson 9. Kieran Marmion
1. Denis Buckley 2. Tom McCartney 3. Rodney Ah You 4. Quinn Roux 5. Aly Muldowney 6. John Muldoon (captain) 7. Willie Faloon 8. Eoin McKeon

Replacements:
16. Dave Heffernan 17. JP Cooney 18. Finlay Bealham 19. Ultan Dillane 20. George Naoupu 21. John Cooney 22. Miah Nikora 23. Dave McSharry

Unavailable/Injured: Jason Harris-Wright, Sean Henry, Ronan Loughney, Nathan White, Michael Swift, Mick Kearney, Jake Heenan, Ian Porter, Tiernan O'Halloran.

Connacht v Munster
The Sportsground, 5pm.
Live on TG4
Referee: David Wilkinson (IRFU, 32nd competition game)
Assistant Referees: Sean Gallagher, Brian MacNeice (both IRFU)
Citing Commissioner: Wayne Sheridan (IRFU) TMO: Kevin Beggs (IRFU)