Evan O'Connell Makes Champions Cup Debut for Munster

Evan O'Connell will make his Champions Cup debut for Munster in their opener against Stade Francais at Thomond Park. The 20-year-old lock, nephew of former Munster captain Paul O'Connell, starts in a team that features five changes from last week's victory over the Lions. Notably, Shane Daly will play his 100th match for Munster as he takes over at full-back, while Diarmuid Barron captains the side for the first time in this tournament. Returning internationals Calvin Nash, Jack Crowley, Craig Casey, and Peter O'Mahony will also bolster the lineup, although Tadhg Beirne is on the bench. Three other players—Dian Bleuler, Tom Farrell, and Thaakir Abrahams—are set to make their Champions Cup debuts. Conor Murray is sidelined due to injury, further influencing the team's structure ahead of the match.