Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus has named his side for tomorrow night’s Guinness PRO12 clash with Dragons in Irish Independent Park at 7.35pm. Tyler Bleyendaal retains the captaincy while local man Darren Sweetnam makes a welcome return to the starting line-up following a knee injury.
In total five changes are made to the side that defeated Edinburgh while Dave Kilcoyne, Tommy O’Donnell, Rory Scannell and Andrew Conway have all been made available from the Ireland 6 Nations camp for tomorrow night’s game in Cork.
Kilcoyne comes into the front row alongside Rhys Marshall and Stephen Archer with second rows Jean Kleyn and Dave Foley again completing the tight-five.
O’Donnell returns to the back row at openside with Dave O’Callaghan and Jack O’Donoghue taking charge at 6 and 8.
Duncan Williams and captain Bleyendaal again form the half-back partnership and, in a fully changed midfield, Jaco Taute reverts from fullback to resume his partnership alongside Scannell.
Crossing for his sixth try of the current PRO12 campaign last weekend, Ronan O’Mahony remains on the left wing with the final two changes seeing Conway and Sweetnam re-join the back three. Cork native Sweetnam makes his first appearance since injuring his knee in Munster’s win over Leinster on St Stephen’s Day.
Three academy representatives – Brian Scott, Conor Oliver and Dan Goggin – are named on the bench alongside club player Abrie Griesel of Young Munster.
Munster: Andrew Conway; Darren Sweetnam, Jaco Taute, Rory Scannell, Ronan O’Mahony; Tyler Bleyendaal – capt., Duncan Williams; Dave Kilcoyne, Rhys Marshall, Stephen Archer; Jean Kleyn, Dave Foley; Dave O’Callaghan, Tommy O’Donnell, Jack O’Donoghue.
Replacements: Kevin O’Byrne, Peter McCabe, Brian Scott, Darren O’Shea, Conor Oliver, Abrie Griesel, Francis Saili, Dan Goggin.
Munster v Newport Gwent Dragons, Guinness PRO12 Round 14, Friday February 10th at Irish Independent Park, ko 7.35pm.
Start your weekend cheering on Munster under Friday-Night-Lights, plus supporters can avail of FREE PARKING in the Black Ash Park and Ride.
Tickets from:
- Adult €;20
- Junior €;7
- Student €;7
- Family (2 adult & 2 junior) €;40
Munster v Newport Gwent Dragons tickets can be purchased online here, from the Munster Rugby Ticket Offices at Irish Independent Park and Thomond Park, or by calling 061 421103.
Dave O'Callaghan previews tomorrow night's contest…