Munster Make Wholesale Changes For Ospreys Clash
Munster director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has made no less than 12 changes to the team that defeated Connacht for Saturday’s GUINNESS PRO12 semi-final against the Ospreys at Thomond Park (kick-off 6.15pm).
Returning to the starting XV, Donnacha Ryan and Francis Saili are set to line out in the red jersey at Thomond Park for the final time, while Billy Holland, Keith Earls and Andrew Conway are the only players retained from round 22.
Joining Holland and Ryan in the tight five are front rowers Dave Kilcoyne, Niall Scannell and John Ryan. Flanker Peter O’Mahony returns as captain with Tommy O’Donnell and CJ Stander completing the pack.
Conor Murray and Tyler Bleyendaal resume their half-back partnership, the former making his first start since recently returning from a shoulder injury. Murray also draws ever closer to the century landmark for Munster and will make his 99th appearance this weekend.
Saili and Rory Scannell return to the midfield and the final change sees Simon Zebo rejoin the back-three at full-back, with Conway reverting to the right wing and Earls remaining on the opposite flank.
Having just signed new two-year deals with the province, both Ian Keatley and Jaco Taute are named among the replacements.
Munster v Ospreys semi-final tickets can be purchased online here, from the Munster Rugby Ticket Offices or by calling 061 421103.
MUNSTER (v Ospreys): Simon Zebo; Andrew Conway, Francis Saili, Rory Scannell, Keith Earls; Tyler Bleyendaal, Conor Murray; Dave Kilcoyne, Niall Scannell, John Ryan, Donnacha Ryan, Billy Holland, Peter O’Mahony (capt), Tommy O’Donnell, CJ Stander.
Replacements: Rhys Marshall, James Cronin, Stephen Archer, Jean Deysel, Jack O’Donoghue, Duncan Williams, Ian Keatley, Jaco Taute.