Ireland and Lions lock Paul O'Connell, who was expected to make his return to Munster this week, was a late withdrawl from the squad, who flew to Italy on Wednesday ahead of their Friday match against Treviso.

The talisman, who was hoping to take a leadership role as Munster seek to get their campaign up and running, pulled out of the game because of personal reasons.

Felix Jones will captain Munster for the first time as coach Anthony Foley makes sweeping changes following his side's opening league defeat to Edinburgh. Foley has made eight changes in personel to the team that lost in the league opener last Friday in Limerick.

James Cronin returns to the front row for the first time after making his Irish senior debut on the Summer Tour to Argentina with hooker Duncan Casey and tighthead Stephen Archer promoted to starting positions having featured as replacements last week.

Lock Dave Foley is also promoted from the bench to a starting position and is partnered by Billy Holland.

CJ Stander, who scored two tries last week, retains his place at blindside flanker, with Tommy O’Donnell making his first start of the season in the backrow at openside. Having missed out on selection last week due to bruised ribs, the rampaging Robin Copeland is set to make his competitive debut at numbert 8.

In the centre Ivan Dineen makes his first PRO12 start of the season at inside centre with Andrew Smith moving to the outside channel. Ireland's Simon Zebo and Andrew Conway retain their places on the left and right wings respectively

Munster (v Treviso, Stadio Monigo, Friday 12th. KO 7pm (Irish time) Felix Jones - capt; Andrew Conway, Andrew Smith, Ivan Dineen, Simon Zebo; Ian Keatley, Duncan Williams; James Cronin, Duncan Casey, Stephen Archer; Dave Foley, Billy Holland; CJ Stander, Tommy O'Donnell, Robin Copeland Replacements: Kevin O'Byrne, John Ryan, BJ Botha, Donncha O'Callaghan, Sean Dougall, Cathal Sheridan, Johnny Holland, Ronan O'Mahony