JJ HANRAHAN’S FAREWELL tour from Munster will continue in Cork tomorrow when the Kerry native lines out at fullback for the Pro12 clash with Glasgow.
Hanrahan is just one of a raft of changes made by Anthony Foley after last weekend’s draw with Scarlets.
The half backs and centre pairings are unchanged however, with Keith Earls named in midfield alongside captain Denis Hurley.
John Ryan, Eusebio Guinazu and BJ Botha make up a new front row and while the locks are unchanged, Jack O’Donoghue and Sean Dougall return to the back row either side of CJ Stander.
Connacht coach Pat Lam meanwhile, has opted to shuffle his back-line with Craig Ronaldson named at number 10 for the crucial Pro12 bout with Treviso.
Jack Carty moves to the replacements bench with Niyi Adeolokun brought onto the wing in his place and Danie Poolman moved to outside centre.
The second change from the away win over Dragons sees Tiernan O’Halloran slot in at fullback after Darragh Leader became the latest Connacht back to fall foul of injury.
“Tiernan (O’Halloran) certainly deserves his start on Sunday,” says Lam.
He brought a lot of intensity when introduced in the last two games and his leadership and communication skills are a big asset in a very young back line. Mils (Muliaina) was close to playing this week but we decided not to take the risk and so Niyi (Adeolokun) gets his opportunity on Sunday.”
“We’re sitting in sixth place at the moment but like last week we still don’t have a safety net, and we have to continue to perform as a team against Treviso.
“It’s been over six weeks since our last home game so everyone is really looking forward to playing in front of our home supporters again at the Sportsground.”
Munster (v Glasgow, February 28, 19.15)
15. JJ Hanrahan
14. Andrew Conway
13. Keith Earls
12. Denis Hurley (Capt)
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. Jack O’Donoghue
7. Sean Dougall
8 CJ Stander.
Replacements:
16. Niall Scannell
17. Dave Kilcoyne
18. Stephen Archer
19. Dave O’Callaghan
20. Paddy Butler
21. Neil Cronin
22. Andrew Smith
23. Ivan Dineen.
Connacht (v Treviso, March 1, 17.15)
15. Tiernan O’Halloran
14. Niyi Adeolokun
13. Danie Poolman
12. Dave McSharry
11. Matt Healy
10. Craig Ronaldson
9. John Cooney
1. Denis Buckley
2. Tom McCartney
3. Nathan White
4. Quinn Roux
5. Aly Muldowney
6. John Muldoon (capt)
7. Jake Heenan
8. Eoghan Masterson
Replacements:
16. Shane Delahunt
17. Ronan Loughney
18. Rodney Ah You
19. Mick Kearney
20. George Naoupu
21. Ian Porter
22. Jack Carty
23. Conor Finn
