LOCK Donncha O’Callaghan will face former club Munster in Cork tonight as Worcester Warriors aim to give themselves a boost ahead of the new Aviva Premiership season (7pm).

The former Ireland international is one of eight changes to the starting line-up that lost 23-17 at Jersey Reds last Saturday.

The clash at Irish Independent Park will be the final chance for Warriors’ players to impress before their season opener against Saracens at Twickenham on Saturday, September 3.

Jackson Willison starts at full-back instead of the usual centre position, with Max Stelling and Wynand Olivier forming the midfield partnership. Jonny Arr and Tom Heathcote complete the half-back pairing.

Dean Hammond is called onto the wing with Cooper Vuna keeping his place on the opposite flank following a brace of tries in Jersey last weekend.

Val Rapava Ruskin and Niall Annett return to the front row to line-up next to James Johnston while O'Callaghan is joined by Darren Barry in the second row.

GJ van Velze returns to skipper the side from number eight, with Alafoti Faosiliva moving to blindside flanker and Carl Kirwan at openside.

Head coach Carl Hogg said: "Munster are a top European side with great rugby pedigree and will provide another stern test as we prepare for next weekend's big opener against Saracens."

Warriors: Jackson Willison, Dean Hammond, Wynand Olivier, Max Stelling, Cooper Vuna, Tom Heathcote, Jonny Arr; Val Rapava Ruskin, Niall Annett, James Johnston, Donncha O'Callaghan, Darren Barry, Alafoti Faosiliva, Carl Kirwan, GJ van Velze (C).

Replacements: Jaba Bregvadze, Na'ama Leleimalefaga, Mike Daniels, Tevita Cavubati, Phil Dowson, Luke Baldwin, Ryan Lamb, Perry Humphreys, Christian Scotland-Williamson, Marco Mama, Jamie Shillcock.

Munster XV: Simon Zebo; Darren Sweetnam, Dan Goggin, Rory Scannell, Ronan O'Mahony; Tyler Bleyendaal, Duncan Williams; James Cronin, Niall Scannell, John Ryan; Jean Kleyn, Billy Holland - capt., Dave O'Callaghan, Tommy O'Donnell, Jack O'Donoghue.

Replacements: Duncan Casey, Peter McCabe, John Andress, Brian Scott, Darren O'Shea, Dave Foley, Conor Oliver, Robin Copeland, Tomás O'Leary, Ian Keatley, Alex Wootton, Cian Bohane, Colm O'Shea, Stephen Fitzgerald.