Munster’s home match with Zebre on Saturday could see Donncha O’Callaghan become the most capped player in the club’s history but head coach Rob Penney believes the one-club man has plenty more to give. Named among the replacements for Saturday’s game, O’Callaghan will make his 241st Munster appearance if he enters the field, nudging ahead of Ronan O’Gara in the record books. It is an achievement not missed by Penney whose side will also be looking to maintain their 100 per cent RaboDirect PRO12 home record this season when they entertain Zebre in what will be the Italians first visit to Musgrave Park. Recent form would certainly appear to be on the hosts’ side with three victories from their last three encounters with Zebre while their only defeat from their last 13 first-team games was to Ulster at Ravenhill at the start of January. Munster are also boosted by the return of Tommy O’Donnell and Felix Jones from international duty in two of nine changes from the side that beat Cardiff Blues 54-13. Ian Keatley and Johne Murphy form a new centre partnership with Simon Zebo moving to the left wing with Jones coming in at full-back. Hooker Duncan Casey is the only player who keeps his place in the front row with James Cronin and BJ Botha coming into the side while captain Billy Holland joins Donnacha Ryan in the second row. Dave O’Callaghan makes his first start since December alongside the returning O’Donnell with CJ Stander moving to no.8. And while excited to see his Irish duo back, Penney was keen to reserve special praise for club stalwart O’Callaghan. "It’s a great achievement for Donncha. One great man [O’Gara] being replaced by another great man in the record books, which is what happens. Donncha deserves every plaudit and superlative that you can dish out to him," said Penney. "He’s been such a great professional for such a long time and he still has a lot left in the tank yet. "He’s a pretty special athlete and he has a great mentality. I can’t speak highly enough about the man and his commitment to Munster. "It’s always good to get the boys back from the national camp, they’re desperate for a bit of footie if they haven’t had it and they also want to reiterate their selection choice. "They want to bring something they may have learned or that bit of international intensity and let the others feed off their intensity and their desire." Zebre currently sit second from bottom in the RaboDirect PRO12 table with their 14 points split between seven gained at home and seven on the road. They have however picked up three losing points in their last four away games and will be strengthened by returning full-back William Palazzani after his release by Italy for the game. David Odiete and Dion Berryman start on the wings with Kameli Ratuvou and Roberto Quartaroli forming the centre partnership. George Biagi and Michael Van Vuren make up the second row with props Dario Chistolini and Andrea De Marchi joined by Tommaso D’Apex. Giovanbattista Venditti also starts on the bench after recovering from an injury with head coach Andrea Cavinato, who has seen his younger players step up in recent weeks, confident his side are going in the right direction. "I want to thank the permit players, they have shown that the choice to select them has been correct," said Cavinato. "They have shown a willingness to be at this level and be quality players: this bodes well for the future." At Musgrave Park, 6.45pm. Live on RTEReferee: Dudley PhillipsAssistant Referees: Nigel Correll, Dermot Blake (both IRFU)Citing Commissioner: Eddie Walsh (IRFU)TMO: Jude Quinn (IRFU)
