FORMER ALL BLACK Francis Saili will start for the first time in a Munster shirt for tomorrow night’s friendly with London Irish in Cork.
Saili was a second-half replacement in last Friday night’s defeat to Connacht at Thomond Park, and will now start at outside centre for his full debut.
Anthony Foley has made nine changes to the starting side from last time out, but won’t be able to avail of any of his Rugby World Cup contingent, none of whom have been released back to the province.
Foley has also handed a first Munster start to 18-year-old Bill Johnston, who starred in Rockwell College’s Munster Schools Senior Cup win this year. Johnston starts at outhalf, with Cathal Sheridan inside him at scrum-half.
In the centre, Saili is partnered by Rory Scannell, with Andrew Conway at full-back, and Gerhard van den Heever and academy prospect Stephen Fitzgerald on the wings.
In the pack, Mike Sherry continues after his try-scoring return to action against Connacht, while he’s joined by John Ryan and Stephen Archer in the front row.
In the second-row Dave Foley will be the experienced head alongside academy star John Madigan, while Dave O’Callaghan, Jordan Coghlan and captain CJ Stander completing the side.
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15. Andrew Conway
14. Stephen Fitzgerald
13. Francis Saili
12. Rory Scannell
11. Gerhard van den Heever
10. Bill Johnston
9. Cathal Sheridan
1.John Ryan
2. Mike Sherry
3. Stephen Archer
4. John Madigan
5. Dave Foley
6. Dave O’Callaghan
7. Jordan Coghlan
8. CJ Stander Capt
Replacements from: Niall Scannell, James Cronin, BJ Botha, Donncha O’Callaghan, Robin Copeland, Duncan Williams, Ian Keatley, Shane Monahan, Shane Buckley, Matt D’Arcy, David Johnston.