Investec Champions Cup: Munster lock O’Connell to make Champions Cup debut against Stade Francais

Evan O’Connell is set to make his first Investec Champions Cup appearance in Saturday’s Pool 3 opener against Stade Francais at Thomond Park.

The 20-year-old, who is the nephew of former Munster, Ireland and Lions captain Paul O’Connell, will start at lock in Limerick.

The Irish hosts have made five changes to the side that defeated Lions in the United Rugby Championship last weekend.

Shane Daly comes in at full-back for what will be his 100th appearance for Munster.

Four Ireland players return from international duty with Calvin Nash, Jack Crowley, Craig Casey and Peter O’Mahony starting while Tadhg Beirne is among the replacements.

Diarmuid Barron will captain the side in the Champions Cup for the first time.

Short-term signing Dian Bleuler, Tom Farrell and Thaakir Abrahams will play their first game for Munster in the competition.

Bill Burns is on the bench and will also make his Champions Cup bow for Munster if he is introduced to the action.

Munster: Daly; Nash, Farrell, Nankivell, Abrahams; Crowley, Casey; Bleuler, Barron (capt), J Ryan; O’Connell, Wycherley; O’Mahony, Kendellen, Coombes.

Replacements: Scannell, K Ryan, Archer, Beirne, Hodnett, Patterson, Burns, O’Donoghue.

Stade Francais: Jonas; Laloi, Marchant, Boudehent, Ezeala; Henry, Motassi; Castets, Peyresblanques, Kodela; Azagoh, Pesenti; Huguet, Chapuis (capt), Tanga.

Replacements: Petriashvili, M Alo-Emile, P Alo-Emile, Turagacoke, Timo, Scelzo, Foursans-Bourdette, Carbonel.