Rassie Erasmus has named his matchday 23 for Munster’s Round 3 PRO12 encounter against Newport Gwent Dragons in Rodney Parade tomorrow (Saturday, 5.15pm).
In making six personnel changes to the side that were beaten by Cardiff Blues last week, named in the starting XV are returning internationals Conor Murray and Keith Earls, while Ireland colleagues Donnacha Ryan and CJ Stander also make their first starts of the season.
The side includes a number of new combinations with Jean Kleyn and Donnacha Ryan packing down in the second row, Conor Murray and Tyler Bleyendaal in the half-backs, and Dan Goggin and Keith Earls in the midfield partnership, all starting alongside each other for the first time.
It’s a case of as you were in the front row with James Cronin, Niall Scannell and John Ryan starting together for the third successive round. Last week's back three of Ronan O’Mahony, Darren Sweetnam and Andrew Conway also remain in situ.
Captain Billy Holland makes the positional switch to blindside flanker this week, with Jack O’Donoghue moving to openside flanker as CJ Stander completes the starting pack at 8.
Colm O’Shea has been named among the replacements and is in line to make his first appearance for the province if sprung from the bench.
A number of players will also take part in All Ireland League action this weekend including Robin Copeland, John Madigan, Darren O’Shea, Alex Wootton, David Johnston, John Andress and Peter McCabe.
Newport Gwent Dragons v Munster, Guinness PRO12 Round 3, Saturday, September 17, Rodney Parade – 5.15pm.
This game will be televised on Sky Sports.
Follow updates on Twitter by following @munsterrugby #NGDvMUN
Munster: Andrew Conway; Darren Sweetnam, Keith Earls, Dan Goggin, Ronan O’Mahony; Tyler Bleyendaal, Conor Murray; James Cronin, Niall Scannell, John Ryan; Jean Kleyn, Donnacha Ryan; Billy Holland Capt., Jack O’Donoghue, CJ Stander.
Replacements: Duncan Casey, Dave Kilcoyne, Brian Scott, Dave O’Callaghan, Conor Oliver, Duncan Williams, Ian Keatley, Colm O’Shea.
Next Home Game:
Munster play their first game at Thomond Park this season against Edinburgh on Saturday week, September 24, in Round 4 of the Guinness PRO12 (3pm).
Adult tickets from €;20 and Family tickets from €;40 (2 adults & 2 juniors) can be purchased online here, from the Munster Rugby Ticket Offices at Irish Independent Park and Thomond Park, or by calling 0818 719 300.
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