Munster Rugby team named ahead of crucial URC clash against Sharks in Durban

THE Munster Rugby team has been named for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship Round 13 clash against Hollywoodbets Sharks at King’s Park

JJ Hanrahan leads Munster as captain for the first time on his 155th appearance for the province and 150th game in the URC.

There are six changes to the side that beat Zebre three weeks ago.

Tom Ahern (neck), Alex Nankivell (foot) and John Hodnett (hamstring) all return from injury to start.

Ethan Coughlan, Diarmuid Barron and Academy flanker Seán Edogbo also come into the side.

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Mike Haley, Calvin Nash and Shane Daly form an unchanged back three.

Alex Nankivell and returning Ireland international Tom Farrell are paired together in midfield.

Coughlan and captain Hanrahan are named in the half-backs.

Michael Milne starts on his return from international duty as Diarmuid Barron and Michael Ala’alatoa complete the front row.

Ahern is back from injury to start in the engine room with Jean Kleyn.

Seán Edogbo makes his third start for the province in a back row that also includes Hodnett and Gavin Coombes.

Lee Barron, Josh Wycherley and John Ryan provide the front row back-up.

Edwin Edogbo, Fineen Wycherley and John Hodnett complete the forward cover.

Paddy Patterson and Dan Kelly are the backline replacements.

Munster Rugby: Mike Haley; Calvin Nash, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Shane Daly; JJ Hanrahan (C), Ethan Coughlan; Michael Milne, Diarmuid Barron, Michael Ala’alatoa; Jean Kleyn, Tom Ahern; Seán Edogbo, John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes.

Replacements: Lee Barron, Josh Wycherley, John Ryan, Edwin Edogbo, Fineen Wycherley, Paddy Patterson, Dan Kelly, Brian Gleeson.