The Munster team has been named for Saturday\u2019s URC Round 17 clash against Connacht at Dexcom Stadium (7.45pm, live on TG4 & Premier Sports).<\/p>\n
There are five changes to the side that beat Ulster at Thomond Park two weeks ago.<\/p>\n
Mike Haley returns from a groin injury to start at full-back with Dan Kelly also slotting into the backline.<\/p>\n
Fineen Wycherley has recovered from a knee injury to start in the pack along with Michael Ala\u2019alatoa and Edwin Edogbo.<\/p>\n
Replacement Alex Kendellen will make his 100th appearance at the age of just 25 having made his Munster debut as an Academy player in March 2021.<\/p>\n
Haley, Shane Daly and Andrew Smith are named in the back three with Kelly and Alex Nankivell starting together in midfield.<\/p>\n
Captain Craig Casey and JJ Hanrahan start in the half-backs.<\/p>\n
Jeremy Loughman, Diarmuid Barron and Ala\u2019alatoa pack down in the front row with Edogbo and Wycherley in the engine room.<\/p>\n
Tom Ahern, John Hodnett and Gavin Coombes start in an unchanged back row.<\/p>\n
Lee Barron, Josh Wycherley and Conor Bartley provide the front row back-up as Jack O\u2019Donoghue, Brian Gleeson and Kendellen complete the forward cover.<\/p>\n
Ben O\u2019Donovan and Se\u00e1n O\u2019Brien are the backline replacements.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, the Munster A fixture against Connacht Eagles that was due to be played on Friday at Ennis RFC has been postponed.<\/p>\n
Munster Rugby: Mike Haley; Shane Daly, Alex Nankivell, Dan Kelly, Andrew Smith; JJ Hanrahan, Craig Casey (C); Jeremy Loughman, Diarmuid Barron, Michael Ala\u2019alatoa; Edwin Edogbo, Fineen Wycherley; Tom Ahern, John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes.<\/p>\n
Replacements: Lee Barron, Josh Wycherley, Conor Bartley, Jack O\u2019Donoghue, Brian Gleeson, Ben O\u2019Donovan, Se\u00e1n O\u2019Brien, Alex Kendellen.<\/p>\n
Unavailable for selection this week:<\/p>\n
Michael Milne (calf)<\/p>\n
Oli Jager (head)<\/p>\n
Tadhg Beirne (knee)<\/p>\n
Jean Kleyn (bicep)<\/p>\n
Tom Farrell (shoulder)<\/p>\n
Calvin Nash (hamstring)<\/p>\n
Jack Crowley (leg)<\/p>\n
Press Pass<\/p>\n
Hear from Skills & Assistant Attack Coach Mossy Lawler, Alex Kendellen and Gavin Coombes ahead of the game.<\/p>\n
\ufeff<\/p>\n
Tickets<\/p>\n
Saturday, May 16<\/p>\n