Jones to captain Munster for first time
Anthony Foley has named his starting 15 for Munster’s game against Benetton Treviso on Friday and handed Felix Jones the captaincy for the first time.
Foley made eight changes to the starting line-up that was unexpectedly beaten by Edinburgh in Thomond Park last weekend in the PRO12 opening round.
James Cronin, in his first start since touring Argentina with Ireland, is in the front row with Duncan Casey and Stephen Archer - who were both on the bench last week.
Other new starters are Dave Foley and Tommy O’Donnell, and also recent signing Robin Copeland.
CJ Stander, Ian Keatley and Duncan Williams have all retained their starting places.
Also starting for the the second week running are Simon Zebo and Andrew Conway on the wings, while new captain Jones comes in at full-back.
Paul O’Connell was expected to take part, but made a late withdrawal due to personal reasons and did not travel to Italy with the squad.
The PRO12 clash takes place in the Stadio Monigo on Friday night - kick-off 7pm Irish time.
Munster team in full: Felix Jones – capt, Andrew Conway, Andrew Smith, Ivan Dineen, Simon Zebo; Ian Keatley, Duncan Williams; James Cronin, Duncan Casey, Stephen Archer; Dave Foley, Billy Holland; CJ Stander, Tommy O'Donnell, Robin Copeland
Replacements: Kevin O'Byrne, John Ryan, BJ Botha, Donncha O'Callaghan, Sean Dougall, Cathal Sheridan, Johnny Holland, Ronan O'Mahony
Treviso team in full: Simone Ragusi, Ludovico Nitoglia, Luca Morisi, Sam Christie, Michele Campagnaro, Joe Carlisle, Henry Seniloli, Mat Luamanu, Tomas Vallejos Cinalli, Meyer Swanepoel, Corniel Van Zyl, Marco Fuser, Rupert Harden, Davide Giazzon, Matteo Muccignat
Replacements: Giovanni Maistri, Matteo Zanusso, Salesi Manu, Marco Lazzaroni, Marco Barbini, Alberto Sgarbi, Angelo Esposito, James Ambrosini
