COACH Ian Costello has named the Munster XV for the URC tilt with Vodacom Bulls at Thomond Park later today (5.15pm).
There are four changes to the side who lost at Bordeaux-Begles as Seán O’Brien, Niall Scannell, Tom Ahern, and Alex Kendellen all come into the selection.
Hooker Lee Barron is included among the replacements having joined Munster ahead of schedule on loan this week.
Diarmuid Kilgallen is included among the replacements having resumed training this week and is set for his first appearance since February.
Thaakir Abrahams continues at full-back with O’Brien and Andrew Smith on either wing.
The midfield and half-back partnerships are unchanged as Alex Nankivell and Tom Farrell start in midfield with Craig Casey and Jack Crowley in the half-backs.
Josh Wycherley, Niall Scannell and Oli Jager pack down in the front row with Jean Kleyn and captain Tadhg Beirne in the engine room.
Ahern, Peter O’Mahony and Kendellen complete the side.
Gavin Coombes, Calvin Nash (both ankles), Diarmuid Barron (shoulder/arm) and John Hodnett (toe) were unavailable after sustaining injuries in Bordeaux.
Munster: Thaakir Abrahams; Seán O’Brien, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Andrew Smith; Jack Crowley, Craig Casey; Josh Wycherley, Niall Scannell, Oli Jager; Jean Kleyn, Tadhg Beirne. captain; Tom Ahern, Peter O’Mahony, Alex Kendellen.
Replacements: Lee Barron, Mark Donnelly, Stephen Archer, Fineen Wycherley, Jack O’Donoghue, Conor Murray, Diarmuid Kilgallen, Ruadhán Quinn.
