Munster receive surprise boost as team named for crucial Champions Cup tie
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Ready to rock.
The Munster team has been named for Saturday’s crucial Investec Champions Cup clash against Castres Olympique at Thomond Park (5.30pm).
Captain Tadhg Beirne will lead Munster on his 100th appearance for the province, with the southern province also receiving a surprise fitness boost ahead of the crucial fixture.
Craig Casey wasn’t expected to be fit for the game, but the Ireland scrum-half has made a miraculous recovery from a shoulder injury to take his place in the starting XV.
There are three changes to the side that were narrowly beaten in Toulon last weekend, as Thaakir Abrahams, Niall Scannell and Jean Kleyn all come into the side.
Shane Daly, Abrahams, and Academy man Ben O’Connor start in the back three with Alex Nankivell and Tom Farrell continuing their centre partnership. Casey starts in the half-backs with Jack Crowley.
Jeremy Loughman, Scannell and Michael Ala’alatoa pack down in the front row with Kleyn and Fineen Wycherley in the engine room.
An unchanged back row of Beirne, Jack O’Donoghue and Gavin Coombes completes the starting XV.
Lee Barron, Michael Milne and Oli Jager provide the front row back-up with Jager included in a matchday squad for the first time since October after returning from a head injury.
Edwin Edogbo and Brian Gleeson complete the forward cover.
Ethan Coughlan, JJ Hanrahan and Dan Kelly are the backline replacements.
Munster Rugby: Shane Daly; Thaakir Abrahams, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Ben O’Connor; Jack Crowley, Craig Casey; Jeremy Loughman, Niall Scannell, Michael Ala’alatoa; Jean Kleyn, Fineen Wycherley; Tadhg Beirne (C), Jack O’Donoghue, Gavin Coombes.
Replacements: Lee Barron, Michael Milne, Oli Jager, Edwin Edogbo, Brian Gleeson, Ethan Coughlan, JJ Hanrahan, Dan Kelly.
Unavailable for selection this week:
Alex Kendellen (ankle) – will return to play in three to five weeks.
John Hodnett (thumb) – will return to play in the coming weeks.
Seán O’Brien (shoulder) – will return to play in three to five weeks.
Tom Ahern (neck) – will return to play in the coming weeks.
Calvin Nash (head/shoulder) – will return to play in the coming weeks.
