Munster assistant coach Ian Costello has warned his side of the dangers of complacency ahead of their trip to Parma to take on Zebre. Anthony Foley’s side have only won one of their last five fixtures in all competitions – a 28-13 at home to Leinster in the Guinness PRO12 on December 26. Moreover, Munster have not been victorious on the road since a trip to Newport Gwent Dragons in the PRO12 on November 21, but they have won on three of their last four visits to Italy. The two sides have met on five previous occasions with Munster successful every time – four times with a try bonus point – and Costello is looking for a repeat. “What was disappointing for us over the last two weeks is to raise our standards against Leinster and probably our most comprehensive performance of the season when we looked and analysed it, then to let ourselves down against Connacht when we conceded some soft tries,” Costello said. “We have to establish that consistency to go into these games. Zebre are a good side at home, I know some of their results recently haven’t really shown that but they have got some quality players. “If we look beyond that or we are in any way complacent, I think we will be punished at the weekend — we don’t have the luxury. We got lucky this weekend with other results in the Pro12 but we have things under our control and that is going out and getting four points at the weekend.” Keith Earls and James Cronin both return to the matchday 23 with Earls in line to make his first appearance of the Guinness PRO12 season after recovering from a knee injury. In total Foley has made seven changes from the side that saw in the New Year with defeat at Connacht. Eusebio Guinazu makes his first start for the province alongside hooker Kevin O’Byrne and Stephen Archer. Dave Foley returns to the second row while Billy Holland wears the number five jersey and Dave O’Callaghan makes his first start since returning from injury. There is one change in the back three which sees Felix Jones come in at full-back. “Zebre have beaten Ulster and we are well aware of that. Last weekend they were narrowly beaten by Treviso, but a lot of their key players only came off the bench at half-time,” Costello added. Zebre have now slipped to three successive Guinness PRO12 defeats since their 18-10 victory over Edinburgh in Parma in round 9. And their only previous victory in 25 encounters with Irish provinces in all tournaments came at home to Ulster on 27th September. Andrea Handles comes in for the Italians at hooker and replaces Andrea Manici while Dario Chistolini is replaced by Luke Redolfini. Brendan Leonard gets the nod at scrum-half while Simon Kelly comes in for Matteo Pratichetti. At Stadio XXV Aprile, 4pm local time (3pm Ireland & UK) Live on Nuvolari Referee: Ian Davies (WRU, 25th competition game) Assistant Referees: Matteo Liperini, Filippo Bertelli (both FIR) Citing Commissioner: Roberto Carra (FIR) TMO: Stefano Penne (FIR)
