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O'Mahony to lead Munster

Captain Peter O'Mahony, returns to the Munster starting XV for Sunday's Champions Cup clash with Racing 92, where Nenagh native Donnacha Ryan is expected to feature.


The latest trio to sign two-year contracts with the province, Billy Holland, Stephen Archer and Kevin O’Byrne, are all included in the squad with Holland and Archer among the starters. The returning duo are two of four changes to the starting side as are O’Mahony and Chris Cloete for Sunday’s round five European clash at the U Arena with kick-off at 3.15pm Irish time. Archer joins Dave Kilcoyne and Rhys Marshall in the front row, as Holland resumes his partnership with Jean Kleyn in the second row. The pack is completed with the back row of O’Mahony, Cloete and CJ Stander.

The all-international backline remains intact with Simon Zebo at fullback and Andrew Conway and Keith Earls on the wings.  Rory Scannell partners Chris Farrell in midfield as Conor Murray and Ian Keatley continue as the half-backs. If sprung from the bench James Cronin will make his first European appearance of the season on Sunday.


Munster:  Simon Zebo;  Andrew Conway, Chris Farrell, Rory Scannell, Keith Earls; Ian Keatley, Conor Murray; Dave Kilcoyne, Rhys Marshall, Stephen Archer; Jean Kleyn, Billy Holland; Peter O’Mahony (Capt.), Chris Cloete, CJ Stander. Replacements:  Kevin O’Byrne, James Cronin, John Ryan, Darren O’Shea, Jack O’Donoghue, Duncan Williams, JJ Hanrahan, Alex Wootton.