Munster Team Named For Van Graan’s First Home Game

The Munster team has been finalised for Saturday’s GUINNESS PRO14 match against the Ospreys at Irish Independent Park (kick-off 5.30pm).

The game will mark Johann van Graan’s home debut as Munster head coach, with the province seeking a third successive PRO14 win. There are two changes to the side that won away to Zebre last Sunday as Ian Keatley and John Ryan return from international duty to start.

Simon Zebo continues at full-back with Darren Sweetnam and Alex Wootton, the province’s top try scorer with seven tries in the PRO14 so far this season, completing the back-three. Rory Scannell and Sam Arnold combine again in the centre and the returning Keatley partners James Hart at half-back.

Ryan comes in at tighthead prop to partner Liam O’Connor and Rhys Marshall in the front row. Captain Billy Holland and Jean Kleyn line out together in the second row, with the back row of Jack O’Donoghue, last week’s man-of-the-match Chris Cloete and Robin Copeland also unchanged.

Kevin O’Byrne, Brian Scott and Stephen Archer make up the front row replacements. Darren O’Shea and Greencore Munster Academy player Sean O’Connor complete the forward cover. Duncan Williams, JJ Hanrahan and Academy player Calvin Nash, who scored his first Munster try against Zebre last week, are the back-line replacements.

Munster v Ospreys tickets are available to buy online here and from the Munster Rugby Ticket office (9am-5pm, Monday to Friday) and the Mobile Ticket unit (Dolphin end) from 12pm on match day. Please note that it is unreserved seating in the West Stand.

Ticket prices: Adult Stand – sold out, Junior Stand – sold out, Adult Terrace – €;20, Junior Terrace – €;7, Family Pack Terrace – €;40 (two adults & two juniors).

MUNSTER (v Ospreys): Simon Zebo; Darren Sweetnam, Sam Arnold, Rory Scannell, Alex Wootton; Ian Keatley, James Hart; Liam O’Connor, Rhys Marshall, John Ryan, Jean Kleyn, Billy Holland (capt), Jack O’Donoghue, Chris Cloete, Robin Copeland.

Replacements: Kevin O’Byrne, Brian Scott, Stephen Archer, Darren O’Shea, Sean O’Connor, Duncan Williams, JJ Hanrahan, Calvin Nash.