Tomas O’Leary, listed among the replacements when Munster named their side for tomorrow’s RaboDirect PRO12 clash with Newport-Gwent Dragons (Musgrave Park 7.45pm), has been withdrawn. Duncan Williams now comes into the match day 23 in his place, to take a spot on the bench.
O’Leary continues to have lower back trouble and at this early stage of the season management rightly believe it would be unwise to rush him back into action.
The team sees the return to action of Johne Murphy at Full Back, after the fomer Leicester Tiger had missed the last warm up game due to injury. Whlle Danny Barnes continues to partner Lifeimi Mafi at centre. The front row sees the ever improving Stephen Archer playing at number three, while World Cup squad omission players Marcus Horan, Mick O’Driscoll and Peter Stringer all start.
The side will once more be captained by Peter O’Mahony. This week Peter will lead the side from the number six berth. James Coughlan returns to action at number eight in a strong and mobile backrow which includes Niall Ronan.
This week’s game is the first in Munster’s season as they prepare to retain the Celtic League which is now called the RaboDirect Pro12.
Munster: J Murphy; D Howlett, D Barnes, L Mafi, D Hurley; I Keatley, P Stringer; M Horan, M Sherry, S Archer; B Holland, M O’Driscoll; P O’Mahony capt, N Ronan, J Coughlan. Replacements: D Varley, W Du Preez, J Hayes, D Foley, T O’Donnell, D Williams, S Deasy, S Zebo.
