Munster Named for Dragons

Nov 2 • General News • 1925 Views • Comments Off on Munster Named for Dragons

Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus has named the Munster side that will face Dragons at Irish Independent Park tomorrow night in what may be his final game in charge (7.35pm, non-televised).

Billy Holland captains the side and is set to make his 170th appearance for the province having started all nine of Munster’s games so far this season.

Simon Zebo is named at full-back with new signing Chris Cloete making his debut as Darren Sweetnam, Chris Farrell and Ian Keatley are all in the matchday 23 having been released from Ireland camp.

In all there are 10 changes to the side that faced Connacht last week.

JJ Hanrahan and Duncan Williams make up the half-back pairing with Sweetnam and Alex Wootton, Munster’s top try-scorer this term with five tries, on the wings. Rory Scannell and Farrell maintain their centre partnership.

Rhys Marshall keeps his place at hooker with Greencore Academy player Liam O’Connor and tighthead Stephen Archer completing the front row.

Jean Kleyn comes in to partner Holland in the engine room as Erasmus names an exciting back row trio of Jack O’Donoghue, Cloete and Robin Copeland.

Kevin O’Byrne, James Cronin and Brian Scott provide the front row cover with Cronin and Scott set for their second appearances of the season.

Darren O’Shea is set for his first senior involvement of the campaign with on-loan Mark Flanagan completing the forward cover.

James Hart, Keatley and Sam Arnold – who is also in line for his first senior game of the season – are the backline replacements.

Munster:

Simon Zebo; Darren Sweetnam, Chris Farrell, Rory Scannell, Alex Wootton; JJ Hanrahan, Duncan Williams; Liam O’Connor, Rhys Marshall, Stephen Archer; Jean Kleyn, Billy Holland (C); Jack O’Donoghue, Chris Cloete, Robin Copeland.

Replacements:

Kevin O’Byrne, James Cronin, Brian Scott, Darren O’Shea, Mark Flanagan, James Hart, Ian Keatley, Sam Arnold.

Tickets can be purchased online from Ticketmaster.ie or from the Munster Rugby ticket offices at Irish Independent Park and Thomond Park, or by calling 061-421103.

Tickets will be available on the night with prices as follows: Adults from €20, Junior/Students from €7, Families €40 (2 adults & 2 kids)