Munster Head Coach Johann van Graan. Bryan Keane / INPHO
Bryan Keane / INPHO / INPHO
MUNSTER HEAD COACH Johann van Graan makes four changes to the side that defeated Leicester in the Champions Cup last weekend for his side’s sold-out Interprovincial derby against Leinster in Thomond Park on St Stephen’s Day (3.15pm).
Returning to the side are Rhys Marshall and Andrew Conway with both players successfully completing their return to play protocols.
Keith Earls and Tommy O’Donnell are also named to start for the first time since Connacht in round seven.
In the back three, Earls takes the place of Wootton on the wing while Conway replaces Zebo at fullback, joining Darren Sweetnam who once again retains the number 14 jersey.
The midfield paring of Rory Scannell and Sammy Arnold, as well as half backs Conor Murray and Ian Keatley remain for Tuesday’s encounter.
O’Donnell completes an international back row that includes last week’s try scorer CJ Stander, who this week signed a new deal with Munster and the IRFU, and captain Peter O’Mahony — who becomes the latest player to make 100 appearances for the province.
Andrew Conway, John Ryan, Simon Zebo and Conor Murray during training on Saturday. Bryan Keane / INPHO
Bryan Keane / INPHO / INPHO
Jean Kleyn and Billy Holland continue their second row partnership as Marshall joins the unchanged props of Dave Kilcoyne and Stephen Archer.
Named in the replacements is James Cronin who returns from a calf injury sustained while playing for the Barbarians against Tonga in November.
With additional seating put in place ahead of the clash and an increased capacity of 26,267, tickets have already sold out ahead of a capacity crowd at Thomond Park.
Munster:
15. Andrew Conway
Advertisement
14. Darren Sweetnam
13. Sammy Arnold
12. Rory Scannell
11. Keith Earls
10. Ian Keatley
9. Conor Murray
1. Dave Kilcoyne
2. Rhys Marshall
3. Stephen Archer
4. Jean Kleyn
5. Billy Holland
6. Peter O’Mahony (captain)
7. Tommy O’Donnell
8. CJ Stander.
Replacements:
16. Niall Scannell
17. James Cronin
18. John Ryan
19. Darren O’Shea
20. Jack O’Donoghue
21. Duncan Williams
22. JJ Hanrahan
23. Simon Zebo.
The42 has just published its first book, Behind The Lines, a collection of some of the year’s best sports stories. Pick up your copy in Eason’s, or order it here today (€10):
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Close
8 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic.
Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy
here
before taking part.
Conway and Marshall return ahead of sold-out Thomond Park derby
MUNSTER HEAD COACH Johann van Graan makes four changes to the side that defeated Leicester in the Champions Cup last weekend for his side’s sold-out Interprovincial derby against Leinster in Thomond Park on St Stephen’s Day (3.15pm).
Returning to the side are Rhys Marshall and Andrew Conway with both players successfully completing their return to play protocols.
Keith Earls and Tommy O’Donnell are also named to start for the first time since Connacht in round seven.
In the back three, Earls takes the place of Wootton on the wing while Conway replaces Zebo at fullback, joining Darren Sweetnam who once again retains the number 14 jersey.
The midfield paring of Rory Scannell and Sammy Arnold, as well as half backs Conor Murray and Ian Keatley remain for Tuesday’s encounter.
O’Donnell completes an international back row that includes last week’s try scorer CJ Stander, who this week signed a new deal with Munster and the IRFU, and captain Peter O’Mahony — who becomes the latest player to make 100 appearances for the province.
Jean Kleyn and Billy Holland continue their second row partnership as Marshall joins the unchanged props of Dave Kilcoyne and Stephen Archer.
Named in the replacements is James Cronin who returns from a calf injury sustained while playing for the Barbarians against Tonga in November.
With additional seating put in place ahead of the clash and an increased capacity of 26,267, tickets have already sold out ahead of a capacity crowd at Thomond Park.
Munster:
15. Andrew Conway
14. Darren Sweetnam
13. Sammy Arnold
12. Rory Scannell
11. Keith Earls
10. Ian Keatley
9. Conor Murray
1. Dave Kilcoyne
2. Rhys Marshall
3. Stephen Archer
4. Jean Kleyn
5. Billy Holland
6. Peter O’Mahony (captain)
7. Tommy O’Donnell
8. CJ Stander.
Replacements:
16. Niall Scannell
17. James Cronin
18. John Ryan
19. Darren O’Shea
20. Jack O’Donoghue
21. Duncan Williams
22. JJ Hanrahan
23. Simon Zebo.
The42 has just published its first book, Behind The Lines, a collection of some of the year’s best sports stories. Pick up your copy in Eason’s, or order it here today (€10):
“Since he’s had a child he’s been relaxed, like: ‘What have I been worrying about all along?’”
Your provincial mid-term report cards are right here
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Inter-pros Johann van Graan Leinster Munster pro14 Team news Thomond Park