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20 Jan 2026
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20 Jan 2026
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Jack Crowley returns to the number 10 position for this vital game against Saracens | PICTURE: Sportsfile
MUNSTER Rugby have made three changes to the side that will face Saracens in the third group game of the Investec Champions Cup tomorrow afternoon in Thomond Park.
The changes to the side that faced Leinster last time out include Jack Crowley, Conor Murray and Jack O’Donoghue.
Tom Farrell and Niall Scannell are both named in the starting XV having featured in all 12 games so far this season with Farrell making his 13th consecutive start.
Mike Haley is named at full-back with Calvin Nash and Shane Daly on either wing. Ireland internationals Murray and Crowley team up in the half-backs as Rory Scannell and Farrell continue their centre partnership.
Scrum-half Murray returns from an elbow injury for his first Munster appearance since October and earns his 198th cap for the province.
Dian Bleuler, Niall Scannell and Oli Jager pack down in the front row with Fineen Wycherley and captain Tadhg Beirne completing an unchanged front five.
O’Donoghue returns from a shoulder injury to join Alex Kendellen and Gavin Coombes in the back row.
Diarmuid Barron, John Ryan and Stephen Archer provide the front row back-up with Barron set to make his return from a shoulder injury. Tom Ahern, John Hodnett and Brian Gleeson complete the forward cover.
Paddy Patterson and Billy Burns are the backline replacements.
On the injury front, Peter O’Mahony was unavailable for selection as he continues to recover from a calf contusion.
MUNSTER: Mike Haley; Calvin Nash, Tom Farrell, Rory Scannell, Shane Daly; Jack Crowley, Conor Murray; Dian Bleuler, Niall Scannell, Oli Jager; Fineen Wycherley, Tadhg Beirne (C); Jack O’Donoghue, Alex Kendellen, Gavin Coombes.
REPLACEMENTS: Diarmuid Barron, John Ryan, Stephen Archer, Tom Ahern, John Hodnett, Paddy Patterson, Billy Burns, Brian Gleeson.
SARACENS: Elliot Daly, Liam Williams, Alex Lozowski, Nick Tompkins, Lucio Cinti, Fergus Burke, Ivan van Zyl; Phil Brantingham, Jamie George, Marco Riccioni, Maro Itoje (C), Harry Wilson, Juan Martin Gonzalez, Ben Earl, Tom Willis
REPLACEMENTS: Theo Dan, Eroni Mawi, Alec Clarey, Max Eke, Nathan Michelow, Gareth Simpson, Olly Hartley, Tobias Elliott
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