Munster hand out three competitive debuts for Treviso opener

Munster coach Anthony Foley has handed competitive debuts to three players for Saturday's opening Guinness Pro 12 match against Benetton Treviso at Musgrave Park (7.45pm).

David Johnston will join fellow third-year Academy player Rory Scannell in midfield, while Shane Monahan, who signed a three-month contract to cover the World Cup period, is named on the left wing.

Felix Jones comes straight back in at fullback after missing out on World Cup selection, while Andrew Conway is named on the right wing. Ian Keatley and Duncan Williams will start are the starting halfbacks.

Hooker Mike Sherry makes his return to competitive action for the first time since November 2013, making up a frontrow with James Cronin and BJ Botha. The third debut comes in the secondrow, where Academy player John Madigan is joined by Dave Foley.

CJ Stander captains the side from number eight with Dave O’Callaghan named at blindside and Jack O’Donoghue at openside.

New Zealander Tyler Bleyendaal is in line for his first competitive start after being named on the bench following his recovery from a groin strain. Cian Bohane is back from a knee injury and is also on the bench.

MUNSTER: Felix Jones; Andrew Conway, David Johnston, Rory Scannell, Shane Monahan; Ian Keatley, Duncan Williams; James Cronin, Mike Sherry, BJ Botha; John Madigan, Dave Foley; Dave O'Callaghan, Jack O'Donoghue, CJ Stander (capt).

Replacements: Niall Scannell, John Ryan, Stephen Archer, Robin Copeland, Shane Buckley, Cathal Sheridan, Tyler Bleyendaal, Cian Bohane.