Munster team named for Leicester in Welford Road

Munster team named for Leicester in Welford Road

Head Coach Johann van Graan makes two changes to the starting XV for Munster’s Champions Cup clash against Leicester Tigers in Welford Road on Sunday (5.30pm).

It’s a first European start for hooker Kevin O’Byrne as he and winger Darren Sweetnam are promoted from the bench this weekend with Andrew Conway and Rhys Marshall continuing to follow return to play protocols. 

Keith Earls and Niall Scannell are notable returnees from respective hamstring and thumb injuries and are included in the match-day 23.

Billy Holland again continues in the second row having already started all 13 of Munster’s games so far this season.   

Munster: Simon Zebo; Darren Sweetnam, Sammy Arnold, Rory Scannell, Alex Wootton; Ian Keatley, Conor Murray; Dave Kilcoyne, Kevin O’Byrne, Stephen Archer; Jean Kleyn, Billy Holland; Peter O’Mahony (C), Chris Cloete, CJ Stander.

Replacements: Niall Scannell, Brian Scott, John Ryan, Darren O’Shea, Jack O’Donoghue, Duncan Williams, JJ Hanrahan, Keith Earls.

British and Irish Cup Round 4: Bedford Blues v Munster A, Saturday December 16th at Goldington Road (3pm)
 
Munster A team named for British & Irish Cup clash against Bedford Blues

Head Coach Peter Malone has made three changes to the side that were defeated 20-14 at Irish Independent Park last Friday as Robin Copeland, Ciaran Parker and Dave McCarthy all come into the side.

Ten Greencore Munster Rugby Academy players are included in the matchday 22.

Captain David Johnston is moved to full-back as Stephen Fitzgerald switches to the wing and Liam Coombes keeps his place on the left flank.

Dave McCarthy comes in to partner Alex McHenry in the centres and the half-back pairing of James Hart and Bill Johnston is unchanged.

Hooker Mike Sherry is flanked by Jeremy Loughman, who moves to loosehead following his Munster A debut last week, and tighthead Ciaran Parker.

Fineen Wycherley and Sean McCarthy keep their places in the engine room with Sean O’Connor, Gavin Coombes and Copeland in the back row.

Rob O’Donovan, who joined the Munster Academy last month, is among the replacements along with Vincent O’Brien, Evan Mintern, Jack O’Sullivan, John Poland, Conor Fitzgerald and Jack Power.

Last week’s victory saw Bedford move to the top of British and Irish Cup pool 1 as holders Munster A are in second place.

Munster A: David Johnston (C); Stephen Fitzgerald, Alex McHenry, Dave McCarthy, Liam Coombes; Bill Johnston. James Hart; Jeremy Loughman, Mike Sherry, Ciaran Parker; Fineen Wycherley, Sean McCarthy; Sean O’Connor, Gavin Coombes, Robin Copeland.

Replacements: Vincent O’Brien, Rob O’Donovan, Evan Mintern, Jack O’Sullivan, John Poland, Conor Fitzgerald, Jack Power.