mens
United-rugby-championship
Munster Captain Tadhg Beirne will make his first appearance of the URC campaign when he starts against Ulster in Saturday’s interpro derby at Affidea Stadium.
Beirne has not featured for Munster since April’s win over Ulster after missing the end of last season through injury. His inclusion is one of nine changes to the defeating side Bulls last week, with Ben O’Connor, Alex Nankivell, JJ Hanrahan, Jeremy Loughman, Kieran Brookes, Jack O’Donoghue, Alex Kendellen and Gavin Coombes all making the starting XV.
In the in-form second row, Evan O’Connell continues in the engine room alongside Beirne, while O’Donoghue, Kendellen and Coombes make up the new-look back row. Hanrahan partners Craig Casey at half-back, with O’Connor starting in a back three alongside Shane Daly and Seán O’Brien.
“It’s great to welcome Tadhg back into the squad for the first time since April after his well-deserved break following the summer tests,” said head coach Clayton McMillan.
“The players we have selected for Saturday night in Belfast have earned their places because of their contributions in our first two games and the work they have put in during pre-season.
“As always, there were some really tough decisions to make when picking the team. It was maybe even tougher than usual with so many guys putting their hands up over the last few months. As a coaching staff, that’s exactly what we want.”
“Proper competition for places in the 23rd is leading to a higher standard of training. Now it’s about translating that into a performance in Belfast.”
”JJ Hanrahan was great against Glasgow in Round 1 and I was really impressed with how he did in the late game against the Bulls last week.
“It’s been a whirlwind for Charlie O’Shea, it’s hard to believe it’s been less than two months since he’s been with us. He hasn’t missed a single chance and he gets another chance this weekend as a substitute.”
Munster Rugby: Ben O’Connor; Shane Daly, Alex Nankivell, Dan Kelly, Sean O’Brien; JJ Hanrahan, Craig Casey; Jeremy Loughman, Marnus van der Merwe, Kieran Brookes; Evan O’Connell, Tadhg Beirne (C); Jack O’Donoghue, Alex Kendellen, Gavin Coombes.
Replacements: Diarmuid Barron, Josh Wycherley, Jack Aungier, Tom Ahern, Brian Gleeson, Ben O’Donovan, Charlie O’Shea, John Hodnett.
