CALVIN NASH AND John Hodnett have both been brought into the Munster team for Sunday’s URC clash with Benetton, [KO 2pm, RTÉ 2].
There are the only two changes made to Graham Rowntree’s side from that which defeated the Sharks in their seasonal opener last weekend in Thomond Park. Andrew Conway and Alex Kendellen are the two players to make way for Nash and Hodnett. Conway was not available for selection after picking up a knock, while Kendellen is included amongst the replacements.
Academy players Shay McCarthy, Ethan Coughlan and Edwin Edogbo all retain their starting spots, while prop Kieran Ryan is included among the replacements.
On the bench Paddy Patterson is in line for his first appearance since March afters sustaining a knee injury in training in the last campaign, while new signing Sean O’Brien is also in line to come on for his debut for the province.
📢 TEAM NEWS | Here is your Munster side to face Benetton in Round 2 of the URC in Italy on Sunday 💪
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) October 27, 2023
Paddy Patterson is set for his first appearance since March while Seán O'Brien is in line for his debut 🙌
Click the pic below for full details.#MUNvSHA #SUAF 🔴
Munster
- 15. Shane Daly
- 14. Shay McCarthy
- 13. Antoine Frisch
- 12. Rory Scannell
- 11. Calvin Nash
- 10. Joey Carbery
- 9. Ethan Coughlan
- 1. Josh Wycherley
- 2. Diarmuid Barron
- 3. Stephen Archer
- 4. Edwin Edogbo
- 5. Fineen Wycherley
- 6. Jack O’Donoghue (captain)
- 7. John Hodnett
- 8. Gavin Coombes
Replacements:
- 16. Scott Buckley
- 17. Kieran Ryan
- 18. John Ryan
- 19. Tom Ahern
- 20. Alex Kendellen
- 21. Paddy Patterson
- 22. Alex Nankivell
- 23. Sean O’Brien.
Great to see Patterson back, I had though he’d be out for longer. Looking forward to seeing Sean O Brien get a cut too.
@Thesaltyurchin: was hoping to see Gleeson get another run out as we didn’t see much of him last weekend. He will surely get a start soon. Looking forward to seeing himself, Coombes and Hodnett together. The backrow is becoming a massive strength for Munster
2nd row missing 3 starters.
Scrum half to 4th 5th choice.
Great to see Hodnett back.
Opportunities for players to stake a claim.
The biggest weakness is unfortunately Jack O’Donoghue. He has great potential but he needs to pickup his game. He’s not been in form the last few seasons. Hodnett is great at 6 or 7 (his natural position). Maybe playing Alex Kendellen at 6 would strengthen the team.
@Con Cussed: It’s no wonder we’re champions if a player as good as Jack O’Donoghue is apparently our “biggest weakness”.
@Con Cussed: the lineout is an important part of the game
@munsterman:
I’m totally in agreement with that statement. The issue is how much time is allocated to lineouts versus the rest of the game?
@Rochelle Hart: I think Munster have better players, that’s all. He’s not been great the last two seasons IMHO.
@Con Cussed: I still hope, and expect, Munster to win !
@Con Cussed: the munster faithful love him because he gives everything and its obvious how much playing for munster means to him he’s 7 out of ten every match at urc level.
@Rochelle Hart: Can you manage to keep a straight face when you say that Munster are “champions” despite winning only 10 out of 18 league games?
@Con Cussed: he is 30 now potential??? Bit harsh
@Justin Robinson: Munster won the games that matter at the business end of the season. Winning knockout games away from home against strong opposition. Same as SA and NZ in the World Cup, they win in the knockout stages when the pressure comes on.
@Justin Robinson: I can’t cause I’m still smiling
@Justin Robinson: don’t hate the player. Hate the game.
@Steve Mccarthy: He didn’t make a comment about hating anyone or thing but you did. Why?
Now in fairness to Munster you are the champions. Leinster screwed up and should have played it’s best team. Munster won fair and square.