Rugby:Stephen Archer and Dave O'Callaghan will make their first starts of the season as Munster bid to notch their second win of the campaign when they take on Treviso at Thomond Park on Friday night. The changes see BJ Botha and Paddy Butler drop to the bench as Penney prepares for his first match in charge at Thomond Park following their impressive 23-18 win in Edinburgh.
But there is growing concern about Paul O’Connell being available for the clash with Ulster next week. Doubts have emerged over the comeback date for the former skipper after he missed was unable to take a full part in training today.
He managed some light rehab work with the Munster physios, but Penney is putting no pressure on O'Connell to return for the Ulster game. “Don't know, we don't know. He'll be ready when he is ready,” said Penney. “He is under no pressure and we are under no pressure to get him right. He is just going to let us know when he is ready to go and we'll react to that.”
Munster:D Hurley; D Howlett, C Laulala, J Downey, L O'Dea; I Keatley, D Williams; W du Preez, D Varley, S Archer; Donncha O'Callaghan, B Holland; Dave O'Callaghan, S Dougall, J Coughlan. Replacements:M Sherry, D Kilcoyne, BJ Botha, D Foley, P Butler, P Stringer, S Deasy, I Dineen.
