Nov 30,2024
Munster's interim coach Ian Costello has given a debut to new signing Dian Bleuler, while former Ireland U20 captain Evan O'Connell will make his first competitive appearance for the province in Saturday's meeting with the Lions at Thomond Park.
O'Connell, nephew of ex-Munster captain Paul O'Connell, made his debut off the bench in the province's exhibition game against an All Blacks XV earlier this month, and the 20-year-old comes into the starting side alongside Fineen Wycherley for the province's return to BKT United Rugby Championship, as Tom Ahern drops out due to injury.
Bleuler, who joined on a short-term deal from the Sharks last week, starts at loosehead, while John Ryan switches to tighthead and Diarmuid Barron captains the team from hooker.
Gavin Coombes retains his place at number 8, while Jack O'Donoghue and Alex Kendellen start on the flanks, with Ruadhán Quinn and John Hodnett on the bench.
Ethan Coghlan and Billy Burns team up again in the half-backs, while Alex Nankivell comes in to partner Tom Farrell in the centre, having missed the last three games due to injury.
Thaakir Abrahams has also been cleared to return following an injury layoff, and he starts on the left wing, with Shay McCarthy and Mike Haley completing the side.
This will be Munster's first URC game since the departure of head coach Graham Rowntree last month, looking to arrest a run of four consecutive defeats.
Munster: Mike Haley; Shay McCarthy, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Thaakir Abrahams; Billy Burns, Ethan Coughlan; Dian Bleuler, Diarmuid Barron (C), John Ryan; Evan O'Connell, Fineen Wycherley; Jack O’Donoghue, Alex Kendellen, Gavin Coombes.
Replacements: Niall Scannell, Kieran Ryan, Stephen Archer, Ruadhán Quinn, John Hodnett, Paddy Patterson, Tony Butler, Shane Daly.
Finlay Bealham, Mack Hansen, Bundee Aki and Cian Prendergast are all unavailable due to their international commitments, with Joe Joyce captaining the province, as they look to consolidate their place in the play-off spots.
Dave Heffernan comes returns from Ireland cap to start at hooker, with Denis Buckley and Jack Aungier joining him in the front row.
Joyce continues in the second row with Niall Murray, while his younger brother Darragh is included on the bench.
Josh Murphy returns from suspension to start at blindside flanker, with Conor Oliver on the openside and Sean Jansen packing down at the base of the scrum.
Ben Murphy returns at scrum-half, where he links up with Jack Carty who comes in for Josh Ioane.
Cathal Forde and Piers O'Conor make up the centre partnership, with Caolin Blade and David Hawkshaw providing backline cover in a 6:2 bench split.
Santiago Cordero returns from Argentina duty to start on the left wing, while Shayne Bolton and Shane Jennings keep their places in the side.
In a boost for the province, props Jordan Duggan and Sam Illo have both recovered from injury, and are set to feature off the bench.
Connacht: Shane Jennings; Shayne Bolton, Piers O'Conor, Cathal Forde, Santiago Cordero; Jack Carty, Ben Murphy; Denis Buckley, Dave Heffernan, Jack Aungier; Joe Joyce (capt), Niall Murray; Josh Murphy, Conor Oliver, Sean Jansen
Replacements: Dylan Tierney-Martin, Jordan Duggan, Sam Illo, Darragh Murray, Paul Boyle, Caolin Blade, David Hawkshaw, Shamus Hurley-Langton
