Munster head coach Clayton McMillan has made seven changes to his starting side for Saturday evening’s United Rugby Championship interprovincial showdown with Leinster at the Aviva Stadium.

Kick-off is at 6 pm, with Munster looking to build on last weekend’s victory over Racing 92.

The province have responded well since their opening-round defeat to Glasgow, recording victories over the Bulls and Racing 92, along with a draw away to Ulster.

Seán O’Brien will make his 50th appearance for Munster, moving from the wing to outside centre for the Dublin encounter.

The 28-year-old has established himself as an important member of the squad since arriving in 2023.

Shane Daly returns from injury to take his place on the wing. At the same time, Josh Wycherley, Kieran Brookes, Fineen Wycherley, Jack O’Donoghue, Alex Kendellen and Gavin Coombes are also drafted into the starting fifteen.

Ben O’Connor joins Shay McCarthy and Daly in the back three, with O’Brien partnering Alex Nankivell in midfield.

Nankivell signed a new two-year contract earlier this week, while McCarthy heads into the fixture having crossed for a try against Racing 92.

Craig Casey continues at scrum-half alongside Academy out-half Charlie O’Shea.

Up front, Josh Wycherley, Marnus van der Merwe and Kieran Brookes form the front row, with Fineen Wycherley partnering captain Tadhg Beirne in the second row.

Jack O’Donoghue, Alex Kendellen and Gavin Coombes complete the starting pack.

Mark Donnelly could make his first appearance of the season after being named among the replacements.

Speaking ahead of the encounter, McMillan acknowledged the challenge awaiting his side in Dublin.

“It has been an intense start to the season, and the team has shown lots of character against quality sides,” he said.

“There is plenty of scope for us to improve, and we have to if we want to be there at the business end of the season and become the team we know we can be.”

Munster will be without several players through injury, with Tom Ahern, John Hodnett, Dan Kelly, Jeremy Loughman and Jack Aungier all unavailable following injuries sustained last week.

Lee Barron, Edwin Edogbo and Will Harrison are expected to return to action in the near future.

Munster Team v Leinster

Starting XV:

  1. Ben O’Connor
  2. Shay McCarthy
  3. Seán O’Brien
  4. Alex Nankivell
  5. Shane Daly
  6. Charlie O’Shea
  7. Craig Casey
  8. Josh Wycherley
  9. Marnus van der Merwe
  10. Kieran Brookes
  11. Fineen Wycherley
  12. Tadhg Beirne (Captain)
  13. Jack O’Donoghue
  14. Alex Kendellen
  15. Gavin Coombes

Replacements:

  1. Max Clein
  2. Mark Donnelly
  3. Michael Ala’alatoa
  4. Seán Edogbo
  5. Brian Gleeson
  6. Ben O’Donovan
  7. JJ Hanrahan
  8. Gordon Wood

Leinster v Munster -United Rugby Championship Saturday, October 24Aviva Stadium, DublinKick-off: 6 pm