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

THE Munster Rugby side has been named for Saturday night’s URC round two clash against Cardiff at Thomond Park, 7.45pm kick-off live on TG4.

It will be new Head Coach Clayton McMillan’s first competitive home game in charge as Munster look to build on last week’s bonus-point opening day win in Llanelli.

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For Munster, Dan Kelly starts on his home debut and 200-cap Niall Scannell captains the side with six changes to the team that faced Scarlets last week.

Jack Crowley makes his first start of the season along with Academy full-back Ben O’Connor, scrum-half Ethan Coughlan and the new-look back-row of Tom Ahern, Ruadhán Quinn and Gavin Coombes.

O’Connor, Shane Daly and Thaakir Abrahams start in the back three as Alex Nankivell and Kelly continue their centre partnership.

Coughlan and Crowley start together in the half-backs together for the first time.

The front five of the pack is unchanged. Jeremy Loughman, Scannell and Oli Jager pack down in the front row with Jean Kleyn and Fineen Wycherley in the engine room.

Ahern, Quinn and Coombes complete the starting XV.

Hooker Diarmuid Barron, Josh Wycherley and Academy prop Ronan Foxe provide the front row cover. Jack O’Donoghue and Brian Gleeson complete the forward reinforcements.

Paddy Patterson, Tony Butler and Seán O’Brien are the backline replacements.

MUNSTER RUGBY: Ben O’Connor, Shane Daly, Dan Kelly, Alex Nankivell, Thaakir Abrahams; Jack Crowley, Ethan Coughlan; Jeremy Loughman, Niall Scannell (Capt), Oli Jager; Jean Kleyn, Fineen Wycherley; Tom Ahern, Ruadhán Quinn, Gavin Coombes. Replacements: Diarmuid Barron, Josh Wycherley, Ronan Foxe, Jack O’Donoghue, Brian Gleeson, Paddy Patterson, Tony Butler, Seán O’Brien.

Unavailable for selection this week:

Tom Farrell (calf) – returns to training next week.

Mikey Milne (calf) – returns to training next week.

John Ryan (elbow) – returns to training next week.

Andrew Smith (chest) – returns to training next week.

JJ Hanrahan (concussion) – following return-to-play protocols.

Diarmuid Kilgallen (ankle) – returns to training in one to two weeks.

Mike Haley (thigh) – contusion/low grade strain and will return to play in one to two weeks.

Roman Salanoa (knee) – currently increasing training load.

John Hodnett (cheek) – will return to play in five weeks.

Alex Kendellen (ankle) – has undergone surgery and will return to play in six to eight weeks.

Conor Bartley (thigh) – returns to training in six to eight weeks.

Craig Casey (thigh) – to be confirmed.