Munster Rugby confirm starting lineup for crunch Champions Cup tie with Toulon

MUNSTER head coach Graham Rowntree has announced his starting team for Saturday's crucial Investec Champions Cup fixture with Toulon in France.

Rowntree has made six changes to the side that lost to Connacht in their last game with Peter O'Mahony, Alex Nankivell and Niall Scannell all returning from injury. Tadhg Beirne captains the side.

Simon Zebo, Calvin Nash and Shane Daly are named in the back three, with Nankivell named alongside Antoine Frisch at centre. Jack Crowley and Craig Casey are picked at half back.

Scannell returns at hooker for his first competitive start of the season and is flanked on either side of the front row by Jeremy Loughman and John Ryan.

Thomas Ahern moves up to the second row to partner Beirne, while O'Mahony is joined by John Hodnett and Gavin Coombes in the back row.

Eoghan Clarke, Josh Wycherley, Stephen Archer, Brian Gleeson, Alex Kendellan, Conor Murray, Joey Carbery and Sean O'Brien are named in the replacements.

Munster's clash with Toulon has a 3.15pm start on Saturday and is live on TNT Sports.

MUNSTER: Simon Zebo; Calvin Nash, Antoine Frisch, Alex Nankivell, Shane Daly; Jack Crowley, Craig Casey; Jeremy Loughman, Niall Scannell, John Ryan; Tom Ahern, Tadhg Beirne; Peter O’Mahony, John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes.

Replacements: Eoghan Clarke, Josh Wycherley, Stephen Archer, Brian Gleeson, Alex Kendellen, Conor Murray, Joey Carbery, Seán O’Brien.