Munster Rugby name side to face DHL Stormers in top-of-table URC clash in Limerick

THE Munster Rugby team has been named for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship round six clash with league leaders DHL Stormers at Thomond Park.

The game kicks off at 5.30pm and is live on Premier Sports TV.

Munster captain Tadhg Beirne is among five returning Ireland internationals after being named in World Rugby’s Dream Team of the Year earlier this week.

Tom Ahern, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley and Tom Farrell also return from international duty to start with Farrell earning his first two Ireland caps earlier this month.

Shane Daly, Diarmuid Kilgallen and Thaakir Abrahams are named in the back three with a centre partnership of Alex Nankivell and Farrell.

Returning internationals Casey and Crowley are paired in the half-backs.

Jeremy Loughman, Diarmuid Barron and John Ryan pack down in the front row with Ahern and Fineen Wycherley in the engine room. Wycherley has started Munster’s five URC games so far this season and played in all but 19 minutes of those five games.

Beirne, Jack O’Donoghue and Gavin Coombes start in the back row.

Niall Scannell, Michael Milne and Academy tighthead prop Ronan Foxe provide the front row back-up with Edwin Edogbo and John Hodnett completing the forward cover.

Ethan Coughlan, Tony Butler and Dan Kelly are the backline replacements.

MUNSTER RUGBY: Shane Daly; Diarmuid Kilgallen, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Thaakir Abrahams; Jack Crowley, Craig Casey; Jeremy Loughman, Diarmuid Barron, John Ryan; Tom Ahern, Fineen Wycherley; Tadhg Beirne (Capt), Jack O’Donoghue, Gavin Coombes. Replacements: Niall Scannell, Michael Milne, Ronan Foxe, Edwin Edogbo, John Hodnett, Ethan Coughlan, Tony Butler, Dan Kelly.

Unavailable for selection this week:

Andrew Smyth (knee/hamstring)

Brian Gleeson (elbow)

Oli Jager (head)

Calvin Nash (shoulder)