Munster's Lions trio return as nine changes named for Cardiff clash

Rassie Erasmus has named his side for tomorrow’s Pro14 game at Thomond Park.

MUNSTER’S LIONS TRIO of Peter O’Mahony, Cornor Murray and CJ Stander are among nine changes in the squad to face Cardiff Blues at Thomond Park tomorrow [kick-off 1.30pm].

O’Mahony returns to captain the side alongside Stander in the pack, while Dave Kilcoyne, Niall Scannell, John Ryan and Robin Copeland are all set to make their first starts of the season in this, a fifth round Guinness Pro14 clash.

Ian Keatley joins Murray at half-back, while Jaco Taute will start in midfield.

Following a two-season spell at Northampton Saints, JJ Hanrahan has been named on the bench, and in line for his first appearance for the side since the 2015 Pro12 final.

Shannon lock Sean McCarthy has also been included in the matchday squad for the first time this season, while Mark Flanagan — a new arrival from Saracens — has been named on the bench.

Munster:

15. Andrew Conway
14. Darren Sweetnam
13. Jaco Taute
12. Rory Scannell
11. Alex Wootton
10. Ian Keatley
9. Conor Murray

1. Dave Kilcoyne
2. Niall Scannell
3. John Ryan
4. Robin Copeland
5. Billy Holland
6. Peter O’Mahony – captain
7. Tommy O’Donnell
8. CJ Stander

Replacements:
16. Rhys Marshall
17. Liam O’Connor
18. Stephen Archer
19. Mark Flanagan
20. Sean McCarthy
21. Duncan Williams
22. JJ Hanrahan
23. Chris Farrell.

Team | Lions trio are back, Hanrahan set for return, Flanagan in line for debut

Full team details: https://t.co/G4El3DRO2n #MUNvCBL pic.twitter.com/cwkfXVXDR8
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) September 29, 2017