James Coughlan will captain a strong Munster side in tomorrow’s RaboDirect PRO12 clash against Cardiff Blues at Thomond Park (ko 7:15pm).
There are nine changes to the team that beat Edinburgh three weeks ago with two players making their Thomond Park debuts.
South African flier Gerhard van den Heever and back row forward Barry O’Mahony start their first games for Munster at the famous Limerick venue.
Simon Zebo comes in at full-back for his first start since injuring his foot in October with Johne Murphy keeping his place on the left flank. Denis Hurley comes back into the side to partner Casey Laulala in the centres with Duncan Williams and JJ Hanrahan returning to form the half-back combination.
Dave Kilcoyne, Duncan Casey and Stephen Archer make up the front row with Donncha O’Callaghan and Dave Foley in the second-row. Barry O’Mahony is joined in the back row by CJ Stander and captain James Coughlan to complete the starting XV.
Sean Dougall and Cathal Sheridan are included on the replacements bench after recovering from recent knocks with Ian Keatley in the squad after featuring for the Irish Wolfhounds two weeks ago.
Young Munster’s Ger Slattery provides the front row cover alongside James Cronin and John Ryan. The experienced Billy Holland and winger Andrew Conway are also amongst the replacements.
Niall Scannell is forced to miss out after picking up an elbow knock in yesterday’s training session.
Munster: Simon Zebo, Gerhard van den Heever, Casey Laulala, Denis Hurley, Johne Murphy; JJ Hanrahan, Duncan Williams; Dave Kilcoyne, Duncan Casey, Stephen Archer; Donncha O’Callaghan, Dave Foley; CJ Stander, Barry O’Mahony, James Coughlan (Capt.). Replacements: Ger Slattery, James Cronin, John Ryan, Billy Holland, Sean Dougall, Cathal Sheridan, Ian Keatley, Andrew Conway.
Ticket Information
Munster face Cardiff Blues in round 13 of the RaboDirect PRO12 tomorrow night in Thomond Park at 7:15pm. Tickets will be available to buy on the night.
Ticket Pricing: Junior* Terrace €7, Terrace €20, Terrace Family Pack €40 (2 Adults & 2 Juniors*), Cat B Junior* €10, Category B Adult €30, Category A €40.
*Junior – 16 years and under