Gavin Coombes and Craig Casey return as Munster ring changes for United Rugby Championship game with Benetton

Munster have made eight changes for Friday's United Rugby Championship fixture against Benetton Rugby at Musgrave Park.

Craig Casey and Gavin Coombes are both restored to the starting line-up after returning from international duty with Ireland, with the former partnering Ben Healy at half-back.

Matt Gallagher and Simon Zebo come into the back three while Damian de Allende shifts to outside centre to accommodate Rory Scannell’s inclusion at 12.

Diarmuid Barron and Stephen Archer pack down alongside Josh Wycherley in the front row, with Coombes named at No 8 in place of Alex Kendellen.

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Jason Jenkins takes his place on the bench after recovering from an abdomen injury.

Munster suffered narrow defeats against the Bulls and Lions on their South African tour, dropping to fourth in the overall standings.

Benetton sit 11th and are without a win in five games in all competitions. They were crushed 61-17 by Leinster in their last outing.

Friday's contest will be the first at Musgrave Park since the start of the pandemic two years ago.

Munster: Matt Gallagher; Shane Daly, Damian de Allende, Rory Scannell, Simon Zebo; Ben Healy, Craig Casey; Josh Wycherley, Diarmuid Barron, Stephen Archer; Jean Kleyn, Fineen Wycherley; Jack O'Donoghue (c), John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes.

Replacements: Scott Buckley, Jeremy Loughman, Keynan Knox, Jason Jenkins, Jack O’Sullivan, Neil Cronin, Jake Flannery, Chris Farrell.

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