Changes in Munster Starting XV

12/12/2024 01:30 PM

FROM the win over Stade Francais, there are six changes in the Munster starting personnel for Friday's Champions Cup second round tie with Castres Olympique at Stade Pierre-Fabre (8pm).

Niall Scannell, Stephen Archer, captain Tadhg Beirne, John Hodnett, Brian Gleeson and Mike Haley all coming into the side.

Gleeson, who will be making his 11th appearance for Munster and his first of the season, starts his first match of the Cup.

Scannell and Archer both come into the front-row where they will be joined by Dian Bleuler.

Fineen Wycherley starts again in the second-row with Beirne coming in to start after his appearance from the bench last weekend.

Peter O'Mahony retains his place at blindside flanker with both Hodnett and Gleeson coming into the side to complete the back-row.

There is just one change to the backline with Mike Haley named at full-back with Calvin Nash and Thaakir Abrahams on the wings.

The centres remain unchanged with Alex Nankivell and Tom Farrell continuing their partnership while Craig Casey and Jack Crowley are the half-back pairing once again.

Among the replacements, Dave Kilcoyne returns from a long-term injury to take his place on the bench alongside Oli Jager whose last match was against the Ospreys at the beginning of October.

The duo are joined by Diarmuid Barron to form the front-row replacements.

Tom Ahern, Alex Kendellen and Jack O'Donoghue complete the forward cover with Paddy Patterson and Rory Scannell providing the backs cover.

Munster: Mike Haley; Calvin Nash, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Thaakir Abrahams; Jack Crowley, Craig Casey; Dian Bleuler, Niall Scannell, Stephen Archer; Fineen Wycherley, Tadhg Beirne, captain; Peter O'Mahony, John Hodnett, Brian Gleeson.

Replacements: Diarmuid Barron, Dave Kilcoyne, Oli Jager, Tom Ahern, Alex Kendellen, Paddy Patterson, Rory Scannell, Jack O'Donoghue.

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