The Munster team has been named for Saturday’s URC quarter-final against Vodacom Bulls at Loftus Versfeld (12pm Irish time/1pm local).
Alex Nankivell comes into the side in the only change from the team that beat Lions two weeks ago to secure a fifth-place regular season finish in the URC.
Mike Haley, Andrew Smith and Shane Daly start in an unchanged back three with a midfield partnership of Seán O’Brien and Nankivell.
Captain Craig Casey and JJ Hanrahan continue their half-back partnership.
The forwards are unchanged with Jeremy Loughman, Niall Scannell and Michael Ala’alatoa packing down in the front row.
Tom Ahern and Evan O’Connell start in the engine room with a back row of Jack O’Donoghue, John Hodnett and Brian Gleeson completing the starting XV.
Diarmuid Barron, Josh Wycherley and Conor Bartley provide the front row back-up with Fineen Wycherley, Gavin Coombes and Alex Kendellen completing the forward cover. Fineen Wycherley is set for his 150th appearance for the province after missing out against Lions due to injury.
Ben O’Donovan and Dan Kelly are the backline replacements.
Munster Rugby: Mike Haley; Andrew Smith, Alex Nankivell, Seán O’Brien, Shane Daly; JJ Hanrahan, Craig Casey (C); Jeremy Loughman, Niall Scannell, Michael Ala’alatoa; Tom Ahern, Evan O’Connell; Jack O’Donoghue, John Hodnett, Brian Gleeson.
Replacements: Diarmuid Barron, Josh Wycherley, Conor Bartley, Fineen Wycherley, Gavin Coombes, Ben O’Donovan, Dan Kelly, Alex Kendellen.
Unavailable for selection this week:
Lee Barron (neck), Roman Salanoa (hamstring), Michael Milne (calf), Oli Jager (head/concussion), Tadhg Beirne (knee), Edwin Edogbo (shoulder), Jean Kleyn (biceps), Paddy Patterson (knee), Jack Crowley (leg), Tom Farrell (shoulder), Calvin Nash (hamstring).
