URC teams: Peter O'Mahony, Tadhg Beirne and Jack Crowley back for Munster

Munster have made six changes for Saturday night's URC round 13 clash against Cardiff at Thomond Park (7.35pm, live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player).

Ireland internationals Tadhg Beirne, Jack Crowley and Peter O’Mahony all return to start and Beirne captains the side, with Stephen Archer, Jeremy Loughman and Alex Nankivell also coming back into the starting XV that beat Ospreys last week.

The in-form back three of Mike Haley, Seán O’Brien and Shane Daly is unchanged as Nankivell and Antoine Frisch renew their centre partnership with Craig Casey and Crowley in the half-backs.

Loughman, Niall Scannell and Stephen Archer form the front row as RG Snyman and Beirne start together in the engine room.

O’Mahony, John Hodnett and Gavin Coombes complete the side as Coombes continues his record of starting every game in the URC and Champions Cup so far this season,

Eoghan Clarke, Josh Wycherley and John Ryan provide the front row back-up with Tom Ahern and Alex Kendellen completing the forward cover.

Academy scrum-half Ethan Coughlan, Joey Carbery and Simon Zebo are the backline replacements.

Calvin Nash (leg) is unavailable after picking up a knock in training.

Munster: Mike Haley; Seán O’Brien, Antoine Frisch, Alex Nankivell, Shane Daly; Jack Crowley, Craig Casey; Jeremy Loughman, Niall Scannell, Stephen Archer; RG Snyman, Tadhg Beirne (C); Peter O’Mahony, John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes.

Replacements: Eoghan Clarke, Josh Wycherley, John Ryan, Tom Ahern, Alex Kendellen, Ethan Coughlan, Joey Carbery, Simon Zebo.

Connacht head Coach Pete Wilkins has made seven changes to the side that lost last weekend to the Lions for the trip to Benetton on Saturday.

There are two changes in the front row - Jordan Duggan comes in at loosehead and Dave Heffernan at