Munster v Stade Francais: Champions Cup preview
By Tony Tighe
Last Updated: 16/01/16 12:50pm
Munster have made three changes to their starting XV for Saturday's visit of Stade Francais as Anthony Foley seeks a response to their Paris drubbing.
The Irish province's quarter-final hopes were ended by a 27-7 hammering against Stade last weekend, their sixth defeat in seven games, but their home record against French opposition provides crumbs for comfort.
Munster have won 23 of their 24 European fixtures against Top 14 sides at Thomond Park, while it is 11 years since Stade won two away games in the pool stages.
Simon Zebo switches to full-back for Saturday's return fixture, live on Sky Sports 3 HD, with Ronan O'Mahony coming in on the left wing.
Uruguay international prop Mario Sagario replaces BJ Botha, who ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament during the defeat at Stade Jean Bouin, and Billy Holland is named at blindside flanker.
Academy prop Liam O'Connor will make his Munster debut if introduced from the bench.
Stade Francais restore France internationals Rabah Slimani and Pascal Pape to their pack for the trip to Limerick, while Jonathan Ross is named at openside flanker.
Josaia Raisuqe was hit with a 15-week ban following his sending off last weekend so Waisea Nayacalevu moves to the wing and Jonathan Danty comes into the midfield.
Stade have won just twice in nine visits to Ireland, against Leinster in 1998 and Ulster in 2008.
Munster: 15 Simon Zebo, 14 Keith Earls, 13 Francis Saili, 12 Rory Scannell, 11 Ronan O'Mahony, 10 Ian Keatley, 9 Conor Murray; 1 Dave Kilcoyne, 2 Mike Sherry, 3 Mario Sagario, 4 Dave Foley, 5 Mark Chisholm, 6 Billy Holland, 7 Tommy O'Donnell, 8 CJ Stander (c).
Replacements: 16 Kevin O'Byrne, 17 Liam O'Connor, 18 John Ryan, 19 Donnacha Ryan, 20 Robin Copeland, 21 Jack O'Donoghue, 22 Tomás O'Leary, 23 Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino.
Stade Francais: 15 Hugo Bonneval, 14 Waisea Nayacalevu, 13 Jonathan Danty, 12 Paul Williams, 11 Julien Arias, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Julien Dupuy; 1 Zak Taulafo, 2 Laurent Panis, 3 Rabah Slimani, 4 Paul Gabrillagues, 5 Pascal Papé, 6 Sekou Macalou, 7 Jonathan Ross, 8 Sergio Parisse (c).
Replacements: 16 Zurabi Zhvania, 17 Heinke Van der Merwe, 18 Paul Alo Emile, 19 Hugh Pyle, 20 Sylvain Nicolas, 21 Julien Tomas, 22 Jules Plisson, 23 Jérémy Sinzelle.
Watch Munster v Stade Francais live on Sky Sports 3 HD on Saturday from 5pm. Catch the match for £6.99 on NOW TV. No contract.