Munster lost to Glasgow Warriors in last season’s GUINNESS PRO12 final and back-rower Jack O’Donoghue admits the Irishmen have revenge on their mind as they prepare to meet again at Thomond Park on Friday.

Back in May, the Warriors came out on top 31-13 at the Kingspan Stadium to claim their maiden GUINNESS PRO12 title, although that defeat is Munster’s only loss in their last nine league fixtures.

Anthony Foley’s troops are also on a nine-match home winning streak in all competitions since Clermont Auvergne beat them at Thomond Park last December.

They have opened up this campaign with narrow back-to-back GUINNESS PRO12 wins over Treviso and Ospreys while Glasgow’s title defence has begun with a loss to Scarlets and a dramatic 33-32 victory over Connacht.

Both Munster and the Warriors have been hit by a large number of their squad being called up to the Rugby World Cup and O’Donoghue, who is normally a No.8 but has been lining up at flanker in recent times, is hoping to use these games to stake his claim for a regular first-team place.

“The competition for places is really hotting up. We've a few new guys in and it just adds that bit of pressure,” explained the 21-year-old.

“Unfortunately we lost Tommy O'Donnell to injury but with the back-row that's there you always someone pushing you and someone at your heels.

“So you're always striving to become a better player, nail down a position and prove to Axel [Anthony Foley] and the coaches that you're up for the game and ready to go.

“Glasgow got one over on us in the PRO12 Final and we need to set out a marker from the start.

“They are a quality side but we need to show them and prove to them what we're really about also. I don't think we did ourselves any justice last May.”

Foley has made eight personnel changes from the starting XV that defeated Ospreys almost three weeks ago with James Cronin, Stephen Archer and Duncan Casey forming an all-new front row.

CJ Stander comes in at No.8, Duncan Williams and Ian Keatley return at half-back with Tyler Bleyendaal switching to inside centre.

David Johnston makes his second league start at No.13 and Gerhard van den Heever comes in on the left wing for his first GUINNESS PRO12 appearance of the season.

Meanwhile, Warriors coach Gregor Townsend has handed the captaincy to Rob Harley as the Scots try to extend their winning run over Irish provinces to six matches.

They have won twice before in Limerick, in February 2006 and on their last visit in April 2014, and Townsend has given two players maiden competitive starts for the club as they seek a third triumph – centre Hugh Blake and tight-head prop D’arcy Rae.

Fly-half Gregor Hunter could also make his first competitive appearance off the bench and Townsend is full of confidence after two promising performances.

“The players have been really positive in our last two games, taking the play to the opposition,” he said.

“They also showed huge character to find a way to win against Connacht in our last GUINNESS PRO12 match and we're expecting another tough encounter against Munster.

“We were able to give our players a run-out against the British Army last weekend, which was a valuable experience and has helped maintain momentum.

“Munster are a top class side, but we've prepared well and we're excited about the challenge which lies ahead.”

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At Thomond Park, 6pm. Live on Sky Sports
Referee: Ben Whitehouse (WRU, 9th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Nigel Correll, John Carvill (both IRFU)
Citing Commissioner: Tim Lowry (IRFU)
TMO: Marshall Kilgore (IRFU)