Munster team to face Southern Kings

Apr 6 • General News, Guinness Pro14 • 1222 Views • Comments Off on Munster team to face Southern Kings

A much changed Munster side will take on the Southern Kings for the first time in the Guinness PRO14 on Saturday at Oteniqua Park, George (7.35pm).

George native CJ Stander, who turned 28 yesterday, will captain the province and is one of five players to retain their place from last weekend’s Champions Cup quarter-final win against Toulon in Thomond Park.

In making ten changes Head Coach Johann van Graan introduces an all-international front row with James Cronin, Niall Scannell and John Ryan starting.

Jean Kleyn continues in the second row and is joined by Gerbrandt Grobler for his second start of the campaign, while the backrow sees Dave O’Callaghan and Conor Oliver on either side of Stander.

Dan Goggin links up with Rory Scannell in midfield with fullback JJ Hanrahan and academy winger Calvin Nash joining Alex Wootton in the back three.

Scrum-half James Hart partners Ian Keatley in the half back pairing.

In managing player loads, and with Darren Sweetnam and Simon Zebo already ruled out, Head Coach Johann van Graan names six forwards in the replacements including Dave Kilcoyne who will make his 150th appearance for the province if called upon.

Munster: JJ Hanrahan; Calvin Nash, Dan Goggin, Rory Scannell, Alex Wootton; Ian Keatley, James Hart; James Cronin, Niall Scannell, John Ryan; Jean Kleyn, Gerbrandt Grobler; Dave O’Callaghan, Conor Oliver, CJ Stander (C).