**Munster will be looking to regain top spot in Conference A when they welcome struggling Zebre to Thomond Park for Round 18 of the Guinness PRO14.**

The Irish province’s winning form was halted last time out after a 10-6 defeat at the hands of Scarlets, while the Italians are in search of their first win since Round Seven.

What’s at stake?

Three points behind leaders Glasgow Warriors, a victory for Munster would give them a chance to return to the top spot in Conference A.

They have an 11-point buffer over third-placed Connacht, with a victory nevertheless helpful in their bid to secure a play-off place.

Zebre will be desperate to secure a first Guinness PRO14 victory since October as they look to gain ground on Toyota Cheetahs ahead of them in Conference A.

Team News (Munster Rugby)

CJ Stander captains the side on his return from international duty, with Jack O’Donoghue set to make his first start since recovering from a serious knee injury.

There are seven changes in total for Munster, Alex Wootton, JJ Hanrahan, Stephen Archer, Darren O’Shea and Chris Cloete also coming in to the starting XV.

Rory Scannell and Dan Goggin continue their centre partnership with Alby Mathewson and Hanrahan in the half-backs.

Team News (Zebre)

Zebre have their Italy internationals back for this tie, all of whom start apart from Tommaso Castello, who underwent surgery on his leg fractured against England.

After two months, Lovotti and Padovani are back in the squad. The fullback will earn his 70th cap with the Parma outfit after three tries in the national jersey – and will start together with 3 other former Azzurri – Boni, Giammarioli and captain Biagi.

Talking points

Munster Head Coach Johan van Graan said: “It’s about finding the balance over the next 10 weeks but most importantly getting a win against Zebre at home.

“It’s four points on offer at home and four points we’ve got to work hard for and if there’s a bonus point available we’ll go for that as well.

“Most importantly, it’s a new rugby game at the start of a new block. We haven’t been together as a team for quite a bit of time now.

“We’re second in our conference in the Guinness PRO14 and we’ve got to keep up to get to Glasgow, so exciting times ahead.”

Key battle

CJ Stander v Renato Giammarioli

CJ Stander will be hoping to put the disappointment of Ireland’s Guinness Six Nations campaign behind him as he returns to captain his club.

Giammarioli will have to be at the top of his game against Stander who can prove a handful against even the best sides.

Key Fact

The two sides have met on thirteen previous occasions with Munster winning them all.

Did you know?

Zebre have visited Irish provinces on 25 previous occasions in the Guinness PRO14, winning just once at Connacht in February 2018.

Munster Rugby: Mike Haley; Darren Sweetnam, Dan Goggin, Rory Scannell, Alex Wootton; JJ Hanrahan, Alby Mathewson; Jeremy Loughman, Rhys Marshall, Stephen Archer; Fineen Wycherley, Darren O’Shea; Jack O’Donoghue, Chris Cloete, CJ Stander ©.

Replacements: Niall Scannell, Liam O’Connor, John Ryan, Jean Kleyn, Arno Botha, Duncan Williams, Tyler Bleyendaal, Chris Farrell.

Zebre: Edoardo Padovani; Gabriele Di Giulio, Giulio Bisegni, Tomaso Boni, James Elliott, Carlo Canna, Gugleilmo Palazzini; Andrea Lovotti, Oliviero Fabiani, Roberto Tenga, David Sisi, George Biagi ©, Maxime Mbanda, Jimmy Tuvaiti, Renato Giammarioli

Replacements: Luhandre Luus, Daniele Rimpelli, Marco Ciccioli, Leonard Krumov, Apisai Tauyavuca, Marcello Violi, Francois Brummer, Matthia Bellini.

TV: At Thomond Park, Limerick, 7.45pm. Live on Premier Sports, TG4, ei sport and DAZN

Referee: Dan Jones (WRU)

Assistant Referee: Adam Jones (WRU), Mark Patton (IRFU)