UPDATED AT 12.14
MUNSTER WELCOME BACK international duo Ian Keatley and Keith Earls for their Pro12 clash against the Cardiff Blues.
Denis Hurley captains the province for the first time while academy graduate Jack O’Donoghue makes his first senior start on Saturday evening in Musgrave Park (7.35pm).
With no room for them in Ireland’s Six Nations squad this weekend, Keatley and Earls return to add some serious strength in the Munster backs.
JJ Hanrahan starts at full-back for just the third time this season while Dave Kilcoyne returns to the bench for the first time since injuring his knee against Clermont Auvergne last December.
Munster
15. JJ Hanrahan
14. Andrew Conway
13. Keith Earls
12. Denis Hurley (c)
11. Ronan O’Mahony
10. Ian Keatley
9. Duncan Williams
1. John Ryan
2. Eusebio Guinazu
3. BJ Botha
4. Donncha O’Callaghan
5. Billy Holland
6. Sean Dougall
7. Dave O’Callaghan
8. Jack O’Donoghue
Replacements:
16. Niall Scannell
17. Dave Kilcoyne
18. Stephen Archer
19. Shane Buckley
20. Paddy Butler
21. Neil Cronin
22. Rory Scannell
23. Ivan Dineen
Leinster have also named their team for their home game against the Dragons on Sunday and fans of the province will be pleased to see two players return to the back three after recent injuries.
Dave Kearney has been named at fullback after recovering from the shoulder injury he sustained against Wasps while Fergus McFadden will start on the right wing after overcoming his rib problem.
Leinster fans will also get another chance to see how Ben Te’o beds in at 13 while Luke Fitzgerald has been named on the bench.
Leinster
15. Dave Kearney
14. Fergus McFadden
13. Ben Te’o
12. Noel Reid
11. Darragh Fanning
10. Jimmy Gopperth
9. Luke McGrath
1. Michael Bent
2. Richardt Strauss
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Tom Denton
5. Kane Douglas
6. Dominic Ryan
7. Shane Jennings (c)
8. Jack Conan
16. Aaron Dundon
17. Peter Dooley
18. Jamie Hagan
19. Mike McCarthy
20. Josh Van Der Flier
21. John Cooney
22. Cathal Marsh
23. Luke Fitzgerald
Meanwhile, Connacht have been dealt a blow with the news that Mils Muliaina has been ruled out for a month with a hamstring tear. The former All Black’s season has been littered with injuries as he previously faced a spell on the sideline with an elbow injury.
Despite that, Connacht were still able to name quite a strong side to face the Scarlets this Sunday in a game that could go a long way to deciding who claims that last automatic Champions Cup qualification spot.
Robbie Henshaw is absent due to Ireland commitments but Pat Lam will be delighted to have Kieran Marmion in his team as they travel to Wales.
Connacht
15. Darragh Leader
14. Niyi Adeolokun
13. Danie Poolman
12. Dave McSharry
11. Matt Healy
10. Jack Carty
9. Kieran Marmion
1. Denis Buckley
2. Tom McCartney
3. Nathan White
4. Quinn Roux
5. Aly Muldowney
6. John Muldoon (c)
7. Jake Heenan
8. George Naoupu
Replacements:
16. Dave Heffernan
17. JP Cooney
18. Rodney Ah You
19. Ultan Dillane
20. Eoghan Masterson
21. Ian Porter
22. Shane O’Leary
23. Tiernan O’Halloran
– Additional reporting by Will Slattery
