MUNSTER coach Ian Costello has named his side to face La Rochelle in the Champions Cup Round of 16 at Stade Marcel Deflandre later today (5.30pm).
Around 2,000 supporters of Munster are due to attend the knock-out fixture.
Tadhg Beirne captains the travelling team, with Peter O’Mahony, Jean Kleyn, Thaakir Abrahams, and Andrew Smith all coming into the starting XV.
There is a positional switch for Seán O’Brien as he moves from the wing to inside centre.
Abrahams returns from injury for his first appearance since December with Smith, who was ineligible for last week’s clash against Connacht, making his second Munster start after an impressive debut against Glasgow last month.
Abrahams, Calvin Nash and Smith start in the back three.
Abrahams starts at full-back for Munster for the first time having previously lined out in the 15 jersey for the South Africa U20s and Sharks.
O’Brien and Tom Farrell start together in midfield with Craig Casey and last week’s Player of the Match Jack Crowley continuing their half-back partnership.
Jeremy Loughman, Diarmuid Barron and Oli Jager are named in an unchanged front row with Kleyn and Beirne starting together in the engine room for the first time since October.
O’Mahony and Hodnett have recovered from knocks to start alongside Gavin Coombes in the back row.
Alex Nankivell was unavailable due to suspension following a disciplinary process. The URC will release details of the suspension in due course.
Munster: Thaakir Abrahams; Calvin Nash, Tom Farrell, Seán O’Brien, Andrew Smith; Jack Crowley, Craig Casey; Jeremy Loughman, Diarmuid Barron, Oli Jager; Jean Kleyn, Tadhg Beirne, captain; Peter O’Mahony, John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes.
Replacements: Niall Scannell, Josh Wycherley, Stephen Archer, Fineen Wycherley, Tom Ahern, Conor Murray, Rory Scannell, Alex Kendellen.
