Munster have been boosted by the return of two key backs for Saturday’s crunch Vodacom URC clash against the Lions at Thomond Park.
Flyhalf Jack Crowley and winger Seán O’Brien are among five changes to the starting XV for the final league-stage fixture as the sixth-placed Irish province chase playoff qualification.
Crowley returns in a significant boost to Munster’s attacking game, while O’Brien replaces South African Thaakir Abrahams.
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In the pack, Niall Scannell starts at hooker, with Diarmuid Barron dropping to the bench.
Jack O’Donoghue and rising star Brian Gleeson form a new-look back row alongside John Hodnett as Tom Ahern moves from flank to partner Fineen Wycherley in the second row.
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It will be an emotional occasion at Thomond Park as veteran front rowers Scannell and John Ryan, who starts on the bench, prepare for what could be their final outings for the club.
Scannell has made 210 appearances for Munster and earned 20 caps for Ireland, while Ryan has featured 256 times for the province and won 24 Test caps.
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MUNSTER – 15 Mike Haley, 14 Andrew Smith, 13 Alex Nankivell, 12 Dan Kelly, 11 Seán O’Brien, 10 Jack Crowley, 9 Craig Casey (c), 8 Brian Gleeson, 7 John Hodnett, 6 Jack O’Donoghue, 5 Fineen Wycherley, 4 Tom Ahern, 3 Michael Ala’alatoa, 2 Niall Scannell, 1 Jeremy Loughman.
Bench: 16 Diarmuid Barron, 17 Josh Wycherley, 18 John Ryan, 19 Evan O’Connell, 20 Gavin Coombes, 21 Ben O’Donovan, 22 JJ Hanrahan, 23 Alex Kendellen.
Photo: Lionel Hahn/Getty Images
The post Crowley strengthens Munster for Lions clash appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Munster have been boosted by the return of two key backs for Saturday’s crunch Vodacom URC clash against the Lions at Thomond Park.
The post Crowley strengthens Munster for Lions clash appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
