O’Shea And Copeland Pair Up In Munster Second Row
Munster director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has made four changes for Friday’s GUINNESS PRO12 encounter with the high-flying Ospreys at Irish Independent Park (kick-off 7.35pm.
Stephen Archer comes in to join Dave Kilcoyne and Niall Scannell in the front row, while Darren O’Shea and Robin Copeland form a new partnership in the second row. The back row is unchanged with captain Peter O’Mahony, Tommy O’Donnell and Jack O’Donoghue all retained.
The final change is seen in the half-backs where Tyler Bleyendaal, Munster’s man-of-the-match in their memorable Champions Cup win over Glasgow Warriors, returns to partner Duncan Williams.
Rory Scannell and Jaco Taute, who both touched down against Ulster last week, continue together in midfield with a back-three of Ronan O’Mahony, Darren Sweetnam and Andrew Conway completing the starting line-up.
Linking up with the Munster squad this week, new signing Rhys Marshall is named in his first matchday squad. The hooker joins from Super Rugby side the Chiefs after penning a three-year deal that will see him stay with the province until June 2019.
Should they appear from the bench, development prop Peter McCabe and Young Munster scrum half Abrie Griesel will make their first PRO12 appearances.
Tickets can be purchased from www.munsterrugby.ie and from the Munster Rugby Ticket Offices in Irish Independent Park and Thomond Park, or at the ground on matchday. Prices are adult €;20, junior €;7, student €;7 and family €;40.
MUNSTER (v Ospreys): Andrew Conway; Darren Sweetnam, Jaco Taute, Rory Scannell, Ronan O’Mahony; Tyler Bleyendaal, Duncan Williams; Dave Kilcoyne, Niall Scannell, Stephen Archer, Darren O’Shea, Robin Copeland, Peter O’Mahony (capt), Tommy O’Donnell, Jack O’Donoghue.
Replacements: Rhys Marshall, Peter McCabe, Brian Scott, John Madigan, Conor Oliver, Abrie Griesel, Ian Keatley, Alex Wootton.