LIONS lock Paul O'Connell will make his return to action for Munster against Newport Gwent Dragons on Saturday evening (kick-off 6.45pm), writes Chris Kirwan.
The Ireland talisman has been out of action since breaking a bone in his arm in the first Test win against Australia in June.
The 33-year-old has been named on the Munster bench for the RaboDirect Pro12 clash against the Dragons at Musgrave Park.
Keith Earls, a 2009 Lions tourist, moves to outside centre from the wing while the Dragons will be wary of Simon Zebo on the left wing.
The Ireland speedster caused mayhem when the sides met at Thomond Park last season, scoring one try and creating two in an inspired performance.
Munster suffered a first setback of the season last week when beaten 29-19 by Treviso and will look to maintain their perfect Cork record against the Dragons, whose sole victory in the province came in Limerick in the first season of regional rugby.
Munster: J Murphy, A Conway, K Earls, I Dineen, S Zebo, JJ Hanrahan, C Sheridan, J Cronin, D Varley, J Ryan, D O'Callaghan, D Foley, P O'Mahony (captain), S Dougall, P Butler. Replacements: M Sherry, D Kilcoyne, S Archer, P O'Connell, CJ Stander, D Williams, I Keatley, F Jones.
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