Nor is there any surprise that the bang-in form David Wallace is chosen at open side. However, the choice of Donnacha Ryan at number six might not have been anticipated although the Tipperary man has impressed as has Conor Murray who retains the number 9 jersey and Felix Jones, preferred at full-back to Paul Warwick who is named on the bench.
Munster:
F Jones; D Howlett, J Murphy, L Mafi, K Earls; R O'Gara, C Murray; W du Preez, D Varley, T Buckley; D O'Callaghan, P O'Connell capt; D Ryan, D Wallace, J Coughlan. Replacements: M Sherry, M Horan, J Hayes, M O'Driscoll, D Leamy, P Stringer, P Warwick, S Tuitupou.