Munster coach Anthony Foley has made five changes to his starting line up for the New Year's Day trip to Galway to face Connacht, with the province's International big guns returning to the fold.

Paul O'Connell, Simon Zebo and Peter O'Mahony have been named in the starting line up for the evening clash at the Sportsground, with O'Mahony back to captain the side.

Skipper O'Mahony will start at blindside flanker meaning CJ Stander switches to number eight in the absence of the injured Robin Copeland.

In the front row BJ Botha comes in for Stephen Archer and will start alongside John Ryan and Duncan Casey.

Ireland captain O'Connell, who has come in to replace his old second row partner Donncha O'Callaghan, will play alongside Billy Holland, who is set to make his 100th appearance in the red jersey.

The other change comes in the backline, with JJ Hanrahan starting at inside centre, while the returning Zebo will play at fullback for the first time this season.

A Munster statement has also revealed Gerhard van den Heever underwent knee surgery on Monday and will begin his rehabilitation programme once his post-operation recovery is complete.

Munster: Simon Zebo; Andrew Conway, Pat Howard, JJ Hanrahan, Ronan O'Mahony; Ian Keatley, Duncan Williams; John Ryan, Duncan Casey, BJ Botha; Billy Holland, Paul O'Connell; Peter O'Mahony Capt., Tommy O'Donnell, CJ Stander.

Replacements: Kevin O'Byrne, Eusebio Guinazu, Stephen Archer, Donncha O'Callaghan, Dave O'Callaghan, Neil Cronin, Rory Scannell, Ivan Dineen.