Robbie Henshaw has been named at inside centre at the expense of Bundee Aki. At the same time, uncapped duo Thomas Clarkson and Sam Prendergast join Ryan Baird and Craig Casey among the replacements.
What was obvious from a 20-minute conversation with RugbyPass is that the soon-to-be 29-year-old has enjoyed settling into the rhythm of French life with his wife Robyn and their 18-week-old baby boy.
Former Ireland international Joey Carbery picked up an injury during his first appearance for Bordeaux Bègles in the Top 14 on Saturday.
Zebo may have retired and RG Snyman may have headed up the N7 to Leinster but Munster's low-key recruitment has been shrewd
In just a few days another season of the Top 14 kicks off with the likes of Owen Farrell, Siya Kolisi, Josua Tuisova, and Davit Niniashvili making the numbers of the overseas players ready to make the headlines and wrestle for the title.
Former Ireland and Munster flyhalf Joey Carbery has heavily implied that he left both the national side and his province on a sour note in an interview with Irish media.
With less than a year now until the first Test between Australia and the British & Irish Lions in Brisbane, head coach Andy Farrell will have a rough idea of who will be part of his squad.
The defending champions trailed by 10 points on two occasions but replacement Eoghan Clarke’s 69th-minute maul try and a late Jack Crowley penalty got the job done.
Munster are within reach of a home quarter-final in the BKT United Rugby Championship following a runaway 47-12 derby win over Connacht at Thomond Park.
A tantalising European opportunity has been squandered, but the proud province are intent on defending their URC title.