The Munster team has been named for Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup Round of 16 clash against La Rochelle at Stade Marcel Deflandre (5.30pm Irish time, live on Premier Sports).
Over 2,000 Munster supporters are expected to attend the knock-out tie on the west coast of France.
Tadhg Beirne captains Munster with Peter O’Mahony, Jean Kleyn, Thaakir Abrahams and Andrew Smith all coming into the starting XV.
There is a positional switch for Seán O’Brien as he moves from the wing to inside centre.
Abrahams returns from injury for his first appearance since December with Smith, who was ineligible for last week’s clash against Connacht, making his second Munster start after an impressive debut against Glasgow last month.
Abrahams, Calvin Nash and Smith start in the back three. Abrahams starts at full-back for Munster for the first time having previously lined out in the 15 jersey for the South Africa U20s and Sharks.
O’Brien and Tom Farrell start together in midfield with Craig Casey and last week’s Player of the Match Jack Crowley continuing their half-back partnership.
Jeremy Loughman, Diarmuid Barron and Oli Jager are named in an unchanged front row with Kleyn and Beirne starting together in the engine room for the first time since October.
O’Mahony and Hodnett have recovered from knocks to start alongside Gavin Coombes in the back row.
Niall Scannell, Josh Wycherley, Stephen Archer, Fineen Wycherley, Tom Ahern and Alex Kendellen provide cover in the forwards with Archer set to make his 299th Munster appearance.
200-cap Conor Murray and 197-cap Rory Scannell are the backline replacements.
Alex Nankivell was unavailable due to suspension following a disciplinary process. The URC will release details of the suspension in due course.
Munster Rugby: Thaakir Abrahams; Calvin Nash, Tom Farrell, Seán O’Brien, Andrew Smith; Jack Crowley, Craig Casey; Jeremy Loughman, Diarmuid Barron, Oli Jager; Jean Kleyn, Tadhg Beirne (C); Peter O’Mahony, John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes.
Replacements: Niall Scannell, Josh Wycherley, Stephen Archer, Fineen Wycherley, Tom Ahern, Conor Murray, Rory Scannell, Alex Kendellen.
Press Pass
Hear from captain Tadhg Beirne and Attack Coach Mike Prendergast ahead of the game.
Tickets
URC Round 15: Saturday, April 19
Munster v Bulls, Thomond Park, 5.15pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 17: Friday, May 9
Munster v Ulster, Thomond Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 18: Friday, May 16
Munster v Benetton, Virgin Media Park, 8pm; Buy tickets here
Saturday, November 1
Munster v Argentina XV, Thomond Park, 5pm; Buy tickets here
