Munster Side To Face Castres At Thomond

The Munster team has been named for Saturday’s crucial Investec Champions Cup clash against Castres Olympique at Thomond Park.

The game kicks off at 5.30pm.

Captain Tadhg Beirne will lead Munster on his 100th appearance for the province.

There are three changes to the side that were narrowly beaten in Toulon last weekend as Thaakir Abrahams, Niall Scannell and Jean Kleyn all come into the starting XV.

Shane Daly, Abrahams and Academy man Ben O’Connor start in the back three with Alex Nankivell and Tom Farrell continuing their centre partnership.

Craig Casey has recovered from a shoulder knock to start in the half-backs with Jack Crowley.

Jeremy Loughman, Scannell and Michael Ala’alatoa pack down in the front row with Kleyn and Fineen Wycherley in the engine room.

An unchanged back row of Beirne, Jack O’Donoghue and Gavin Coombes completes the starting XV.

Lee Barron, Michael Milne and Oli Jager provide the front row back-up with Jager included in a matchday squad for the first time since October after returning from a head injury.

Edwin Edogbo and Brian Gleeson complete the forward cover.

Ethan Coughlan, JJ Hanrahan and Dan Kelly are the backline replacements.

Munster Rugby: Shane Daly; Thaakir Abrahams, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Ben O’Connor; Jack Crowley, Craig Casey; Jeremy Loughman, Niall Scannell, Michael Ala’alatoa; Jean Kleyn, Fineen Wycherley; Tadhg Beirne (C), Jack O’Donoghue, Gavin Coombes.

Replacements: Lee Barron, Michael Milne, Oli Jager, Edwin Edogbo, Brian Gleeson, Ethan Coughlan, JJ Hanrahan, Dan Kelly.

Unavailable for selection this week

Alex Kendellen (ankle) – will return to play in three to five weeks.

John Hodnett (thumb) – will return to play in the coming weeks.

Seán O’Brien (shoulder) – will return to play in three to five weeks.

Tom Ahern (neck) – will return to play in the coming weeks.

Calvin Nash (head/shoulder) – will return to play in the coming weeks.