Tony Butler starts at 10 for Munster in Interpro v Connacht

Tony Butler will start at out-half for Munster in their New Year's Day Interpro against Connacht at the Sportsground.

The 21-year-old will make just his second start for the province - partnering Conor Murray in the half-backs - with Jack Crowley and Craig Casey rested.

Butler and Murray come in as part of seven changes to the side that were beaten by Leinster on Tuesday, with Tadhg Beirne also returning to captain the team.

Beirne slots into the second row to replace the injured Edwin Edogbo, while he's partnered by Fineen Wycherley who takes the place of Jack O'Donoghue. Wycherley's return allows Gavin Coombes move back to his preferred number 8, while John Hodnett and Tom Ahern continue on the flanks.

Jeremy Loughman and Eoghan Clarke come into the front row to replace injured pair Dave Kilcoyne and Diarmuid Barron, with Clarke making his first start for the province. Oli Jager continues at tighthead..

Alex Nankivell misses out due to injury, so Rory Scannell comes into the centre where he's joined by Antoine Frisch.

Shane Daly and Calvin Nash are once again on the wings, with Simon Zebo retained at full-back.

Connacht are close to full strength for the sold-out game, with Pete Wilkins making six changes to his starting XV from the defeat to Ulster.

Caolin Blade captains the side from scrum-half, with JJ Hanrahan coming in at out-half to replace Jack Carty.

Bundee Aki continues in the centre, while Cathal Forde returns in the 13 shirt having missed his side's last two games.

The back three is unchanged, with Shayne Bolton and Byron Ralston swapping wings, while Mack Hansen remains at full-back.

Up front, Peter Dooley and Dave Heffernan come in to start in the front row alongside Finlay Bealham, while Joe Joyce partners Darragh