Munster A Side For Bedford Blues Clash
15th December 2017 By The Editor
The Munster A team has been named for tomorrow’s British & Irish Cup clash against Bedford Blues at Goldington Road (3pm).
Head Coach Peter Malone has made three changes to the side that were defeated 20-14 at Irish Independent Park last Friday as Robin Copeland, Ciaran Parker and Dave McCarthy all come into the side.
Ten Greencore Munster Rugby Academy players are included in the matchday 22.
Captain Dave Johnston is moved to full-back as Stephen Fitzgerald switches to the wing and Liam Coombes keeps his place on the left flank.
Dave McCarthy come in to partner Alex McHenry in the centres and the half-back pairing of James Hart and Bill Johnston is unchanged.
Hooker Mike Sherry is flanker by Jeremy Loughman, who moves to loosehead following his Munster A debut last week, and tighthead Ciaran Parker.
Fineen Wycherley and Sean McCarthy keep their places in the engine room with Sean O’Connor, Gavin Coombes and Copeland in the back row.
Rob O’Donovan, who joined the Munster Academy last month, is among the replacements along with Vincent O’Brien, Evan Mintern, Jack O’Sullivan, John Poland, Conor Fitzgerald and Jack Power.
Last week’s victory saw Bedford move to the top of British and Irish Cup pool 1 as holders Munster A are in second place.
Munster A: Dave Johnston (C); Stephen Fitzgerald, Alex McHenry, Dave McCarthy, Liam Coombes; Bill Johnston. James Hart; Jeremy Loughman, Mike Sherry, Ciaran Parker; Fineen Wycherley, Sean McCarthy; Sean O’Connor, Gavin Coombes, Robin Copeland.
Replacements: Vincent O’Brien, Rob O’Donovan, Evan Mintern, Jack O’Sullivan, John Poland, Conor Fitzgerald, Jack Power.
See highlights of last Friday night’s clash at Irish Independent Park below.