Returning Ryan Included On Munster Bench
Munster head coach Anthony Foley has named his team to face the Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium in round 17 of the GUINNESS PRO12 on Saturday (kick-off 2.40pm).
Denis Hurley is again named as captain while Donnacha Ryan is included in a matchday squad for the first time this season. In total, Anthony Foley makes just three changes to the side that defeated Glasgow Warriors at Irish Independent Park last weekend.
In the tight five, Dave Kilcoyne comes into the starting front row at loosehead prop alongside hooker Eusebio Guinazu and BJ Botha, while Donncha O’Callaghan and Billy Holland form the second row partnership for the fourth successive game.
The back row sees Dolphin clubman Dave O’Callaghan return at blindside flanker with Sean Dougall and CJ Stander continuing at openside and number 8 respectively.
There are no changes in the half-backs and midfield with Duncan Williams, Ian Keatley, skipper Hurley and Keith Earls all retaining their starting positions.
With JJ Hanrahan remaining in place at full-back, Felix Jones comes into the back-three on the right wing alongside Ronan O’Mahony on the opposite flank.
Following the successful rehabilitation of a right foot injury sustained against Benetton Treviso last March, the bench sees the welcome inclusion of Ryan in a Munster matchday 23 for the first time this season.
MUNSTER (v Ospreys): JJ Hanrahan; Felix Jones, Keith Earls, Denis Hurley (capt), Ronan O’Mahony; Ian Keatley, Duncan Williams; Dave Kilcoyne, Eusebio Guinazu, BJ Botha, Donncha O’Callaghan, Billy Holland, Dave O’Callaghan, Sean Dougall, CJ Stander.
Replacements: Kevin O’Byrne, John Ryan, Stephen Archer, Donnacha Ryan, Jack O’Donoghue, Neil Cronin, Andrew Smith, Andrew Conway.