Eight changes for Munster as they take on Glasgow Warriors

The leading lights from both sides may be occupied elsewhere this weekend, but there will be no shortage of incentive at Thomond Park on Friday evening when Munster lock horns with champions Glasgow Warriors in a repeat of May’s showdown between them.

As Munster coach Anthony Foley remarked earlier this week, both sides will be a shadow from those which did battle in Belfast a few months ago.

Glasgow deservedly came away with the first ever title for a Scottish side on a 31-13 scoreline that day, emphasising a recent dominance over Munster which has seen them win four of the last five encounters between them in a rivalry Foley’s men lead 15-10, with one draw, since the league started.

Both were somewhat understrength earlier this year when Munster cantered to a 22-10 win in Cork in February, and Foley will be looking for something similar this evening to maintain their winning start to the season against a Glasgow side down a dozen and a half to World Cup duty.

First starts

Foley has made eight changes to the side which pipped Ospreys last time out, with Duncan Casey and Stephen Archer making their first starts of the season in a new frontrow along with James Cronin. CJ Stander starts at number 8 this time.

Duncan Williams and Ian Keatley is the new halfback partnership, while Tyler Bleyendaal will finally make his competitive debut at Thomond Park, starting in the centre.

South African Gerhard van den Heever makes his first start on the left wing as Munster bid to notch up their 10th home win in a row in all competitions since losing to Clermont Auvergne last December.