Big Guns Return For Munster As Side Named For Dragons Clash

Rassie Erasmus has named his matchday 23 for Munster’s Round 3 PRO12 encounter against Newport Gwent Dragons in Rodney Parade tomorrow with some notable big names returning.

Erasmus has made six changes to the side that were beaten by Cardiff Blues last week- named in the starting XV are returning internationals Conor Murray and Keith Earls, while Ireland colleagues Donnacha Ryan and CJ Stander also make their first starts of the season.

The side includes a number of new combinations with Jean Kleyn and Donnacha Ryan packing down in the second row, Conor Murray and Tyler Bleyendaal in the half-backs, and Dan Goggin and Keith Earls in the midfield partnership, all starting alongside each other for the first time.

A number of players will also take part in All Ireland League action this weekend including Robin Copeland, John Madigan, Darren O’Shea, Alex Wootton, David Johnston, John Andress and Peter McCabe.

Newport Gwent Dragons v Munster, Guinness PRO12 Round 3, Saturday, September 17, Rodney Parade – 5.15pm.

This game will be televised on Sky Sports.

Munster: Andrew Conway; Darren Sweetnam, Keith Earls, Dan Goggin, Ronan O’Mahony; Tyler Bleyendaal, Conor Murray; James Cronin, Niall Scannell, John Ryan; Jean Kleyn, Donnacha Ryan; Billy Holland Capt., Jack O’Donoghue, CJ Stander.

Replacements: Duncan Casey, Dave Kilcoyne, Brian Scott, Dave O’Callaghan, Conor Oliver, Duncan Williams, Ian Keatley, Colm O’Shea. [Munster Rugby]