Munster have sustained two heavy losses ahead of the Pro 12 final against Glasgow as Peter O'Mahony and Conor Murray are ruled out through injury.
The province’s press release is indicating that neither player is a doubt for the World Cup squad. O’Mahony “failed a late fitness test” due to a hip problem while Murray “is required to rehab a medial ligament knee injury for the next six weeks.”
The statement goes on to state the final “could be” Paul O’Connell’s last game for Munster. This is a strange lack of confirmation considering it was made abundantly clear he was leaving after the semi-final victory over the Ospreys. Toulon being the reported port of call after the World Cup.
O'Mahony's absence sees the captaincy go to Denis Hurley - although O'Connell will surely lead the team - with Donnacha Ryan shifted to blindside flanker and Billy Holland starting at lock.
Duncan Williams brings an entirely different dynamic at scrumhalf with Cathal Sheridan providing cover after recovering from a long term forearm injury.
James Cronin returns to the bench.
Munster: Felix Jones; Keith Earls, Andrew Smith, Denis Hurley - capt., Simon Zebo; Ian Keatley, Duncan Williams; Dave Kilcoyne, Eusebio Guinazu, BJ Botha; Billy Holland, Paul O'Connell; Donnacha Ryan, Paddy Butler, CJ Stander.
Replacements: Duncan Casey, James Cronin, Stephen Archer, Sean Dougall, Jack O'Donoghue, Cathal Sheridan, JJ Hanrahan, Ronan O'Mahony.
