Munster make changes for Racing 92 clash
Munster will be aiming for maximum points when they tackle Racing 92 in the European Champions Cup at Thomond Park on Saturday. Pior to kick off, there will also be a minute’s applause in memory of Axel Foley while Munster’s team jersey will carry the Irish Heart Foundation logo on the front as a mark of the province’s support in the fight against sudden cardiac death.
Meanwhile, the province's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus has made three changes from the side that drew in Castres last weekend. The first of the changes is seen in the front row where Rhys Marshall comes in for Niall Scannell who misses out with a thumb injury. Jean Kleyn makes a return from the neck injury he sustained in Guinness PRO14 action against Glasgow Warriors to start in the second row. While a neck complaint sees Tyler Bleyendaal also miss this weekend’s action with Ian Keatley taking charge at fly-half.
Named again at openside, Tommy O’Donnell will win his 150th Munster cap tomorrow . Crossing for a try in last weekend’s Munster A victory in Swansea, should he feature off the bench, replacement hooker Kevin O’Byrne will make his European debut.
Munster: Simon Zebo; Darren Sweetnam, Chris Farrell, Rory Scannell, Keith Earls; Ian Keatley, Conor Murray; Dave Kilcoyne, Rhys Marshall, Stephen Archer; Jean Kleyn, Billy Holland, Peter O’Mahony (Capt), Tommy O’Donnell, CJ Stander. Replacements: Kevin O’Byrne, Liam O’Connor, John Ryan, Mark Flanagan, Jack O’Donoghue, Duncan Williams, JJ Hanrahan, Andrew Conway.