Munster name XV for trip to Ulster

Yesterday at 12:30 PM

SOME 360km apart, Munster are looking ahead to a couple of defining URC inter-pro derbies over the festive period.

First up is a trip to tackle Ulster in Belfast on Friday (7.35pm) and then the glamour tussle with Leinster at Thomond Park on December 27 (7.35pm).

Ian Costello has announced his starting selection for the trip north.

There are six changes to the side that were beaten in Castres at the weekend.

Shane Daly and Paddy Patterson both come into the backline with John Ryan, Tom Ahern, captain Jack O'Donoghue and Gavin Coombes starting in the pack.

Mike Haley, Calvin Nash and Daly start together in the back three with Alex Nankivell and Tom Farrell continuing their centre partnership.

Patterson and Jack Crowley start together in the half-backs.

John Ryan starts at loosehead prop with Niall Scannell and Stephen Archer completing the front row.

Ahern and Fineen Wycherley start together in the engine room with O'Donoghue, John Hodnett and Coombes completing the side.

Eoghan Clarke, Dave Kilcoyne and Oli Jager provide the front row back-up.

On the injury front, Peter O'Mahony (calf) and Diarmuid Barron (shoulder) were unavailable due to the knocks they picked up in Castres.

And, in line with IRFU player management guidelines, Tadhg Beirne was unavailable for selection.

Munster: Mike Haley; Calvin Nash, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Shane Daly; Jack Crowley, Paddy Patterson; John Ryan, Niall Scannell, Stephen Archer; Tom Ahern, Fineen Wycherley; Jack O'Donoghue, captain, John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes.

Replacements: Eoghan Clarke, Dave Kilcoyne, Oli Jager, Evan O'Connell, Alex Kendellen, Ethan Coughlan, Rory Scannell, Brian Gleeson.

The post Munster name XV for trip to Ulster appeared first on Limerick Post Newspaper.