Munster Rugby team named for final game in South Africa against the Emirate Lions

MUNSTER RUGBY have named their side to face the Emirate Lions this Saturday, April 27 in Johannesburg at 4pm Irish time. The province’s last game in South Africa will be shown live on TG4 

Graham Rowntree has made on change to the side that beat Bulls last weekend as Seán O’Brien makes his first start at inside centre for Munster on his 16th appearance of the campaign.

Full-back Simon Zebo and wingers Calvin Nash and Shane Daly start together in the back three.

O’Brien and Antoine Frisch partner up in midfield for the first time with Conor Murray and Jack Crowley in the half-backs.

The pack is unchanged with Jeremy Loughman, Niall Scannell and Stephen Archer in the front row. Archer, Munster’s most-capped player of all-time, makes his 280th Munster appearance.

RG Snyman and captain Tadhg Beirne continue their partnership in the engine room with Peter O’Mahony, Alex Kendellen and Jack O’Donoghue completing the side.

Eoghan Clarke, John Wycherley and Oli Jager provide the front row back-up with Tom Ahern and Gavin Coombes completing the forward cover.

Craig Casey, Joey Carbery and Mike Haley are the backline replacements. Haley is in line for his first appearance off the bench for Munster on his 103rd appearance.

Casey was removed against Bulls last week following a HIA. He has followed the protocols and returned to training on Tuesday having remained symptom-free throughout. John Hodnett misses out due to a leg knock.

Munster: Simon Zebo; Calvin Nash, Antoine Frisch, Seán O’Brien, Shane Daly; Jack Crowley, Conor Murray; Jeremy Loughman, Niall Scannell, Stephen Archer; RG Snyman, Tadhg Beirne (C); Peter O’Mahony, Alex Kendellen, Jack O’Donoghue.

Replacements: Eoghan Clarke, Josh Wycherley, Oli Jager, Tom Ahern, Gavin Coombes, Craig Casey, Joey Carbery, Mike Haley.