Munster Rugby team to face Ulster in URC named

THE MUNSTER team has been named for Friday’s URC Round 17 clash against Ulster at Thomond Park (7.35pm, live on RTÉ and Premier Sports).

There are five changes to the side that faced Cardiff in the last round as Stephen Archer, Jean Kleyn, Peter O’Mahony, John Hodnett and Diarmuid Kilgallen all come into the starting fifteen.

In the back three, Thaakir Abrahams moves from wing to full-back where he is joined by Calvin Nash and the returning Kilgallen.

The rest of the backline remains unchanged as Alex Nankivell and Tom Farrell continue their centre partnership with Jack Crowley and Craig Casey starting at out-half and scrum-half, respectively.

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Up front, Michael Milne makes his second start for Munster in as many appearances and he is joined in the front row by Niall Scannell and Archer.

Kleyn and captain Tadhg Beirne start together in the engine room with a back-row of O’Mahony, Hodnett and Gavin Coombes completing the side.

Among the replacements, Lee Barron is in line for his second Munster appearance after making his debut against the Bulls last month. Josh Wycherley, John Ryan, Fineen Wycherley, Tom Ahern and Alex Kendellen complete the forward cover with Conor Murray and Seán O’Brien the backline replacements.

On the injury front, Oli Jager and Diarmuid Barron were unavailable due to knocks.

Munster: Thaakir Abrahams; Calvin Nash, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Diarmuid Kilgallen; Jack Crowley, Craig Casey; Michael Milne, Niall Scannell, Stephen Archer; Jean Kleyn, Tadhg Beirne (C); Peter O’Mahony, John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes.

Replacements: Lee Barron, Josh Wycherley, John Ryan, Fineen Wycherley, Tom Ahern, Conor Murray, Seán O’Brien, Alex Kendellen.