How Munster could line up against Leinster

August 18, 2020
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Ultimate Rugby

Munster have added some real firepower to their side for next season with World Cup winners Damian de Allende and RG Snyman joining Johann van Graan's charges.

Along with the Springbok pair, Munster have also added Saracens' versatile back Matt Gallagher as well as Leinster tighthead Roman Salanoa to their ranks.

Munster return to action in the PRO14 this weekend taking on Leinster. However, they will do so without the services of their key pivot Joey Carbery who is a sidelined for an indefinite period as he continues to struggle with an ankle injury.

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Mike Haley (calf), Dan Goggin (ankle) and Roman Salanoa (abdominal) are all set to miss the clash against Leinster through injury as well but there is some positive news for the Munster faithful.

Van Graan has cleared both Damian de Allende and RG Snyman for the clash while Tadhg Beirne has resumed team training this week following a low-grade leg injury.

So how could Munster line up for the derby clash?

Dave Kilcoyne is expected to hold onto his starting #1 jersey despite the pressure from Jeremy Loughman and James Cronin while Stephen Archer, John Ryan and Keynan Knox battle it out for the tighthead role.

Niall Scannell is likely to resume his hold on the starting hooker role with Kevin O'Byrne, Diarmuid Barron, Eoghan Clarke and Rhys Marshall gunning for the role from the bench.

Billy Holland is set to make space for RG Snyman to slip in alongside Jean Kleyn with Tom Ahern, Gavin Coombes, Sean O'Connor and Fineen Wycherley all coming through the ranks.

Jack O'Donoghue may hold onto a starting jersey for the time being with Tadhg Beirne having just returned from injury with Peter O'Mahony and CJ Stander starting as well.

Van Graan does have options however with Chris Cloete, John Hodnett, Jack O'Sullivan and Tommy O'Donnell in their ranks. Craig Casey impressed for Munster recently but with the resumption of the Six Nations approaching Conor Murray will likely slot into the #9 jersey.

JJ Hanrahan is the likeliest of starters at #10 with Rory Scannell also in the mix. Rory Scannell has stepped up when needed but he will more than likely make way for de Allende who could well make his debut alongside Chris Farrell.

With Mike Haley injured, Munster could field three debutants with Matt Gallagher at fullback with Andrew Conway and Keith Earls either side of him, alternatively Darren Sweetnam could slip in on the wing with Gallagher going to the bench and Conway starting at fullback.

POSSIBLE MUNSTER 23 TO FACE LEINSTER