The Munster team has been named for Saturday’s URC Round 16 clash against Ulster at Thomond Park.
The game kicks off at 5.30pm with tickets available here. Fifth-placed Ulster are one point ahead of Munster in the URC table with three rounds remaining.
One change to the side that beat Benetton in Treviso last week sees Oli Jager make his first start since January after returning from injury last week. Michael Ala’alatoa, who has featured in every single game for the province since joining in December, moves to the replacements.
Calvin Nash starts on his 100th appearance for the province with a two-year contract extension announced for the Ireland international earlier this week.
Shane Daly, Nash and Andrew Smith start in the back three. Last week’s Player of the Match Alex Nankivell and Tom Farrell are paired in midfield with Craig Casey and Jack Crowley starting at nine and ten.
Jeremy Loughman, Diarmuid Barron and Jager pack down in the front row with Kleyn and captain Tadhg Beirne in the engine room.
A back row of Tom Ahern, John Hodnett and Gavin Coombes completes the side.
Lee Barron, Michael Milne and Ala’alatoa are the front row replacements with Edwin Edogbo, Gleeson and Alex Kendellen completing the forward cover.
Academy scrum-half Ben O’Donovan and Dan Kelly are the backline replacements with O’Donovan set for his first appearance at Thomond Park.
Munster Rugby: Shane Daly; Calvin Nash, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Andrew Smith; Jack Crowley, Craig Casey; Jeremy Loughman, Diarmuid Barron, Oli Jager; Jean Kleyn, Tadhg Beirne (C); Tom Ahern, John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes.
Replacements: Lee Barron, Michael Milne, Michael Ala’alatoa, Edwin Edogbo, Brian Gleeson, Ben O’Donovan, Dan Kelly, Alex Kendellen.
Unavailable for selection this week:
Fineen Wycherley (knee)
Seán O’Brien (calf)
Niall Scannell (quad)
Tickets
Saturday, April 25
URC Round 16: Munster Rugby v Ulster Rugby, Thomond Park, 5.30pm; Buy tickets here
Saturday, May 16
URC Round 18: Munster Rugby v Emirates Lions, Thomond Park, 7.45pm; Buy tickets here
