Springbok lock Jean Kleyn will anchor Munster’s pack when they take on the Sharks at Kings Park on Saturday.
Kleyn’s inclusion and the absence of some of their stars who had been on Six Nations duty with Ireland, brings a familiar physical edge to the Vodacom URC clash in Durban.
The visitors have made six changes to the side that beat Zebre, with several key players returning from injury to bolster the squad.
Among them is Tom Ahern, who slots in alongside Kleyn in the second row, adding further steel to the engine room. In the back row, Seán Edogbo earns his third start for the club, while John Hodnett returns from injury to join him and Gavin Coombes in a balanced loose trio.
Munster’s front row also sees a boost, with Michael Milne back from international duty to pack down alongside hooker Diarmuid Barron and tighthead Michael Ala’alatoa.
TEAM: Rested Bok duo back for Sharks
In the backline, JJ Hanrahan captains the side for the first time – marking his 155th appearance for the province and 150th in the URC – as he partners Ethan Coughlan at halfback.
There’s continuity out wide, with Mike Haley, Calvin Nash and Shane Daly retained in the back three, while Alex Nankivell returns from injury to link up with Ireland international Tom Farrell in midfield.
Munster have also loaded their bench with forward reinforcements, underlining their intent to match the Sharks physically across the full 80 minutes.
AFRICA PICKS: URC race to the eight
MUNSTER – 15 Mike Haley, 14 Calvin Nash, 13 Tom Farrell, 12 Alex Nankivell, 11 Shane Daly, 10 JJ Hanrahan (c), 9 Ethan Coughlan, 8 Gavin Coombes, 7 John Hodnett, 6 Seán Edogbo, 5 Tom Ahern, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Michael Ala’alatoa, 2 Diarmuid Barron, 1 Michael Milne.
Bench: 16 Lee Barron, 17 Josh Wycherley, 18 John Ryan, 19 Edwin Edogbo, 20 Fineen Wycherley, 21 Paddy Patterson, 22 Dan Kelly, 23 Brian Gleeson.
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
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Springbok lock Jean Kleyn will anchor Munster’s pack when they take on the Sharks at Kings Park on Saturday.
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