Munster have made a couple of adjustments in their lineup from the team that defeated the Lions in Johannesburg in their last match, for the URC interpro rivalry at Thomond Park against Connacht, this Saturday (game starting at 5.15, live on RTÉ and Premier Sports). The backline will see these changes, as Alex Nankivell redeems his position as outside centre instead of Antoine Frisch, with Craig Casey succeeding Conor Murray at scrumhalf.
On the other hand, Connacht’s head coach, Pete Wilkins, has made three necessary squad changes, as a fallout from the team that triumphed over Dragons around two weeks back, and will see Peter Dooley, Paul Boyle, and skipper Jack Carty stepping in for the injured Denis Buckley, Cian Prendergast, and JJ Hanrahan. Additional changes will have Oisín Dowling join hands with Joe Joyce in the second row, and the recovered Byron Ralston will now play as left wing.
Wilkins, expressed enthusiasm regarding the upcoming match, mentioning that such significant interpros are what they look forward to and train for year-round. He firmly believes in his chosen 23-member squad’s ability to bring their A-game right from the start, considering the formidable Munster opponents who have skilled players sprinkled throughout their team and are traditionally a tough opponent to play against in Limerick, but he trusts his team’s aptness and strategy to make the most of any opportunity that comes their way.
The Munster team comprises of Simon Zebo, Calvin Nash, Alex Nankivell, Seán O’Brien, Shane Daly, Jack Crowley, Craig Casey, Jeremy Loughman, Niall Scannell, Stephen Archer, RG Snyman, Tadhg Beirne (capt), Peter O’Mahony, Alex Kendellen, Jack O’Donoghue with substitutes including Eoghan Clarke, Mark Donnelly, Oli Jager, Tom Ahern, Gavin Coombes, Conor Murray, Joey Carbery, Antoine Frisch.
The Connacht rugby team’s roster includes players such as Tiernan O’Halloran, Shane Jennings, Tom Farrell, Bundee Aki, Byron Ralston, Jack Carty (the team captain), Matthew Devine, and others. On their substitute list, they have Dylan Tierney-Martin, Jordan Duggan, Jack Aungier, and Niall Murray among others.
The Leinster team has revamped its line-up for the upcoming game against the Ospreys at the RDS, following their previous Champions Cup triumph over Northampton at Croke Park. The changes include the return of Jimmy O’Brien to the left wing slot, and promotion of Luke McGrath as the new scrum-half. The pack also sees some alterations with Rónan Kelleher, Jason Jenkins, and Will Connors reinstated in the starting line-up. Tommy O’Brien will possibly feature again after a hamstring injury spell since February.
In Ulster, their interim head coach, Richie Murphy, has identified his squad to face the Scarlets in Wales. Topping the line-up is Alan O’Connor, the lock and captain, who is paired in the second row with Kieran Treadwell who is coming back from an injury.
The starting line-up for the frontrow has undergone one modification since the victorious home match against Benetton, with Rob Herring being reinstated as hooker. Joining Herring upfront will be Eric O’Sullivan in the position of loosehead prop and Scott Wilson as tighthead prop.
Two alterations have been applied to the backrow line-up; Cormac Izuchukwu will start as blindside flanker, whilst David McCann fills the role of openside. In addition, Nick Timoney will be donning the number eight jersey once again.
In the halfback partnership, John Cooney will be initiating plays alongside Billy Burns. The back five also sees a single change from the Benetton game, Ethan McIlroy will hold the position of right wing.
ULSTER’S team: Mike Lowry, Ethan McIlroy, Stuart McCloskey, Will Addison, and Jacob Stockdale, with Billy Burns and John Cooney. The front row is filled by Eric O’Sullivan, Rob Herring, and Scott Wilson. Kieran Treadwell and Alan O’Connor (captain) complete the team with Cormac Izuchukwu, David McCann, and Nick Timoney.
Substitutes: Tom Stewart, Reuben Crothers, Andrew Warwick, Harry Sheridan, James French, Nathan Doak, Stewart Moore, and Dave Ewers.