Ireland winger Simon Zebo is in Munster's starting XV for the opening round against Edinburgh Rugby in Thomond Park on Friday night

Emerging Ireland duo Andrew Conway and Ian Keatley also start while their touring colleagues Dave Foley and Tommy O'Donnell are named in the replacements.

BJ Botha returns to the front row while Shane Buckley takes the place of Robin Copeland at No 8.

In sustaining a knee injury against London Irish Cian Bohane underwent a scan during the week and has been ruled out of action for the immediate future, he will now meet with the specialist for further assessment.

Donncha O'Callaghan captains the side.

Munster XV: Ronan O'Mahony; Andrew Conway, Johne Murphy, Andrew Smith, Simon Zebo; Ian Keatley, Duncan Williams; John Ryan, Kevin O'Byrne, BJ Botha, Donncha O'Callaghan, Billy Holland, CJ Stander, Sean Dougall, Shane Buckley.

Replacements: Duncan Casey, Alan Cotter, Stephen Archer, David Foley, Tommy O'Donnell, Cathal Sheridan, Johnny Holland, Ivan Dineen.