Paul O’Connell and Conor Murray can give Munster edge against Zebre

Munster v Zebre, Thomond Park, 7.30pm: Dave Kilcoyne spoke this week about the team delivering for the fans and "turning up" on the day to win their first home game of the season.

The prop’s words echo what was once a basic Munster tenet of always turning up. Feeling that he needs to say it suggests something is array in the Munster camp.

The belief is that the injection of Paul O'Connell, Conor Murray, Kilcoyne, JJ Hanrahan, Paddy Butler and Denis Hurley will carry enough freight to turn around what has been a colourless beginning to the season.

Felix Jones holds the captaincy but O'Connell, particularly is a binding force, and Murray keeping the tempo up and using his experience at the back of the scrum should be telling.

Murray is joined by Johnny Holland, a product of the Munster Academy. He began a senior development contract at the start of this season and will make his first competitive start tonight.

There are seven changes to the side that won in Italy last week and the home side are considerably stronger for it. Coach Anthony Foley would like to make a statement in Limerick and he's equipped himself to do just that.

Real concern

The freshened-up Munster pack should dominate, with Paddy Butler making his first start of the season at six and joining Tommy O’Donnell and Robin Copeland in the backrow.

Although short a few names in the backline that would generate real concern (Ulster have Bowe, Trimble, Olding, Gilroy. Leinster have Kearney, McFadden, Madigan), it's the Munster backs that need to fire.

CJ Stander, who isn’t playing tonight, has scored three tries, and Ian Keatley, also omitted, has kicked all the points so far, leaving Simon Zebo as the only player starting who has scored.

Both Peter O’Mahony and Donnacha Ryan were “going well” with their recovery from injury, with Ryan due to see his surgeon yesterday.

Foley said Keith Earls is another couple of weeks away from returning, while their new Argentinian hooker Eusebio Guinazu, who has signed on a short-term deal, was due to arrive this week.

Home grounds

Zebre have conceded 74 points in their opening two matches against Ulster last week and at home to Cardiff in their opener. They have never beaten Munster in Thomond, or indeed any of the Irish provinces at their home grounds.

Despite Foley’s teething problems, this is one they should not just win but shape and dominate.

We may see too what the real Munster looks like, what Murray, O’Connell, Kilcoyne and JJ Hanrahan on the bench bring, and ultimately whether this home-coached and largely home-grown team can contribute to the competition this year.