Daly in line for 100th appearance with Munster

12/06/2024 02:00 PM

SHANE Daly will make his 100th appearance for Munster in Saturday's Investec Champions Cup opener against Stade Francais at Thomond Park, kick-off 5.30pm.

The soon-to-be 28-year-old Daly starts at full-back with Diarmuid Barron captaining the side in the competition for the first time.

Academy lock Evan O'Connell keeps his place to start on his Champions Cup debut.

Returning internationals Calvin Nash, Jack Crowley, Craig Casey and Peter O'Mahony all start with Tadhg Beirne among the replacements.

Short-term signing Dian Bleuler, Tom Farrell and Thaakir Abrahams start on their first Champions Cup appearances for the club.

Daly, Nash and Abrahams form the back three as Alex Nankivell, who has signed a new two-year contract, and Tom Farrell continue their centre partnership.

Casey and Crowley partner up in the half-backs.

Bleuler, Barron and John Ryan pack down in the front row with O'Connell and Fineen Wycherley completing an unchanged front five.

O'Mahony, Alex Kendellen and Gavin Coombes start together in the back row.

On the injury front, Conor Murray was unavailable due to a knock.

Munster: Shane Daly; Calvin Nash, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Thaakir Abrahams; Jack Crowley, Craig Casey; Dian Bleuler, Diarmuid Barron, captain, John Ryan; Evan O'Connell, Fineen Wycherley; Peter O'Mahony, Alex Kendellen, Gavin Coombes.

Replacements: Niall Scannell, Kieran Ryan, Stephen Archer, Tadhg Beirne, John Hodnett, Paddy Patterson, Billy Burns, Jack O'Donoghue.

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