Irish internationals return for Munster
Thirteen Irish internationals will start for Munster on Sunday as they bid to boost their flagging Celtic League fortunes against the Llanelli Scarlets.
Coach Alan Gaffney has made nine changes from the side which lost 17-15 to Leinster ten days ago, as they search for a first competitive win of the season.
Gaffney is certain of an improved performance after a shoddy league start.
"We have to get better," said the Australian.
"With so many of the boys back in, we can't expect any miraculous performances, but we do need to get that first victory soon."
Despite kicking five out of six penalties at Donnybrook, former Harlequins' fly-half Paul Burke loses out to the recalled Ronan O'Gara.
Peter Stringer also returns at scrum-half, behind a pack laden with international experience.
Marcus Horan makes his seasonal bow, as do locks Donnacha O'Callaghan and Paul O'Connell.
Alan Quinlan and new skipper Anthony Foley form the back row with young rising star Denis Leamy, who takes his place at openside ahead of David Wallace.
30-year-old winger John Kelly also earns his 101st cap.
Stand-in captain Jim Williams rests a damaged elbow, ahead of Munster's opening Heineken Cup tie against Harlequins on October 23, at the same venue.
Munster will have to be on their guard though, as Llanelli enjoyed a 19-12 win in Limerick last September - their first of two successes against the Irish province - dethroning them of a six-year unbeaten record at the ground.
MUNSTER (v Llanelli Scarlets): C Cullen; J Kelly, M Mullins, R Henderson, A Horgan; R O'Gara, P Stringer; M Horan, F Sheahan, J Hayes, D O'Callaghan, P O'Connell, A Quinlan, D Leamy, A Foley (Capt).
Replacements: G McIlwham, J Flannery, T Hogan, D Wallace, M Prendergast, P Burke, J Storey.
