Munster Rugby side to face Cardiff at Thomond Park in URC named

THE Munster Rugby team has been named for tomorrow, Saturday, night’s URC round 13 clash against Cardiff at Thomond Park, 7.35pm, live on RTE2 TV.

There are six changes to the side that beat Ospreys last week in Swansea as Ireland internationals Tadhg Beirne, Jack Crowley and Peter O’Mahony all return to start.

Beirne captains the side with Stephen Archer, Jeremy Loughman and Alex Nankivell also coming back into the starting XV.

The in-form back three of Mike Haley, Seán O’Brien and Shane Daly is unchanged as Nankivell and Antoine Frisch renew their centre partnership with Craig Casey and Crowley in the half-backs.

Loughman, Niall Scannell and Stephen Archer form the front row as RG Snyman and Beirne start together in the engine room.

O’Mahony, John Hodnett and Gavin Coombes complete the side. Coombes continues his record of starting every game in the URC and Champions Cup so far this season,

Eoghan Clarke and Josh Wycherley and John Ryan provide the front row back-up with Tom Ahern and Alex Kendellen completing the forward cover.

Academy scrum-half Ethan Coughlan, Joey Carbery and Simon Zebo are the backline replacements.

On the injury front, Calvin Nash (leg) was unavailable after picking up a knock in training.

MUNSTER RUGBY: Mike Haley; Seán O’Brien, Antoine Frisch, Alex Nankivell, Shane Daly; Jack Crowley, Craig Casey; Jeremy Loughman, Niall Scannell, Stephen Archer; RG Snyman, Tadhg Beirne (Capt); Peter O’Mahony, John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes. Replacements: Eoghan Clarke, Josh Wycherley, John Ryan, Tom Ahern, Alex Kendellen, Ethan Coughlan, Joey Carbery, Simon Zebo.