12 hours Ago
SOUTH AFRICAN FLYER Thaakir Abrahams has returned from injury to be named at fullback for Munster’s Champions Cup round of 16 clash with La Rochelle tomorrow [KO 5.30pm Irish time, Premier Sports]. With Seán O’Brien moving into the Munster midfield due to Alex Nankivell’s , wing Andrew Smith gets a big chance as he starts in just his second competitive Munster appearance since joining on loan from Connacht.
In a major boost for Munster, Peter O’Mahony is fit to return from injury at blindside flanker, while Jean Kleyn comes into the starting second row after his recent return to action. Munster have gone for a 6/2 bench split with Conor Murray and Rory Scannell covering the backs. Jeremy Loughman, Diarmuid Barron and Oli Jager continue in the front row following last weekend’s URC win over Connacht, while Kleyn joins captain Tadhg Beirne in the second row.
John Hodnett has recovered from a knock against Connacht to start again at openside again, while O’Mahony is fit for his first appearance since Ireland’s Six Nations campaign, as Gavin Coombes continues at number eight. Craig Casey and Jack Crowley form the halfback pairing, O’Brien joins Tom Farrell in midfield, while Abrahams and Smith come into the back three alongside Calvin Nash. Abrahams’ previous five appearances for Munster have been on the wing but he previously played at fullback with Lyon.
Munster said influential centre Nankivell was unavailable for selection “due to suspension following a disciplinary process. The URC will release details of the suspension in due course.” 15 Thaakir Abrahams 14.
Calvin Nash 13. Tom Farrell 12. Seán O’Brien 11.
Andrew Smith 10. Jack Crowley 9. Craig Casey 1.
Jeremy Loughman 2. Diarmuid Barron 3. Oli Jager 4.
Jean Kleyn 5. Tadhg Beirne (captain) 6. Peter O’Mahony 7.
John Hodnett 8. Gavin Coombes 16. Niall Scannell 17.
Josh Wycherley 18. Stephen Archer 19. Fineen Wycherley 20.
Tom Ahern 21. Conor Murray 22. Rory Scannell 23.
Alex Kendellen : Andrea Piardi [Italy]..
