/”URC: Munster vs Emirates Lions, Johannesburg (4 pm Irish local time/5 pm local time, broadcasted live on TG4)
After a striking success against the Bulls in the previous week, Munster is sticking mainly with the same team members in their next encounter with the Lions. They are intent on duplicating their initial performance in South Africa.
The team, after a weeklong spell in Cape Town’s sunshine, is heading northwards. With the guidance of Graham Rowntree, the squad sees a solitary change from last week’s triumphant team – Seán O’Brien is all set to inaugurate his initial start at the inside centre for Munster.
They are perfectly aware of the significant tally the Lions wracked up against Leinster at Emirates Airline Park. A score of 44 points against the league leaders, even sans their frontline players, is certainly not an easy achievement. The Lions are equally fervent to score and break into the top eight from their current spot at number eleven.
Interestingly, no team from Europe has clinched a victory in Johannesburg in this season’s URC. However, Munster is entering the match with the momentum from their previous five URC victories, gathering an impressive 24 points from a potential 25. This undoubtedly increases their confidence level.
Simon Zebo resumes his position as a fullback after last week’s outstanding performance, whilst Calvin Nash and Shane Daly sport their wings together at the backthree. For the first time, O’Brien and Antoine Frish are joining up in the midfield, leaving Conor Murray and Jack Crowley to manage the halfbacks.
No changes have been made to the pack, with the front row consisting of Jeremy Loughman, Niall Scannell, and Stephen Archer. RG Snyman and Tadhg Beirne, the team captain continue their second-row partnership, while the team is perfected by Peter O’Mahony, Alex Kendellen, and Jack O’Donoghue.
Craig Casey, who left mid-game against Bulls due to HIA, has cleared the necessary protocols and resumed training from Tuesday, as he has remained symptom-free. He’ll be on the bench, while John Hodnett is sitting out due to a leg injury.
A victory would be the fitting conclusion for Munster’s end-of-season tour.
“Yes, that’s the plan. It will be a challenging task,” commented Rowntree. “Our opponents are vastly underestimated, and they possess the skills to play some serious rugby. They’re a formidable lot.”/
The team analysis has been thorough and they’re deemed quite underestimated. Their past performances against Connacht and Leinster are worth considering, indicating that we are about to face a huge challenge.
Emirates Lions will be playing with Jordan Hendrikse, Richard Kriel, Erich Cronje, Marius Louw in the captain’s role, Edwill van der Merwe, Sanele Nohamba, Morne van den Berg, Morgan Naude, Jaco Visagie, Ruan Dreyer, Willem Alberts, Ruan Delport, JC Pretorius, Emmanuel Tshituka and Francke Horn.
The squad rotation will have players such as PJ Botha, JP Smith, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Reinhard Nothnagel, Ruan Venter, Sibusiso Sangweni, Nico Steyn and Gianni Lombard.
Representing Munster, we have Simon Zebo; Calvin Nash, Antoine Frisch, Seán O’Brien, Shane Daly; Jack Crowley, Conor Murray; Jeremy Loughman, Niall Scannell, Stephen Archer; RG Snyman, Tadhg Beirne in the role of captain; Peter O’Mahony, Alex Kendellen, Jack O’Donoghue.
Their potential substitutes are Eoghan Clarke, Josh Wycherley, Oli Jager, Tom Ahern, Gavin Coombes, Craig Casey, Joey Carbery, and Mike Haley.
The referee for the game is Craig Evans, representing WRU.