Advertisement
Team news

Zebo returns at fullback as Munster mix things up for Cheetahs clash

Captain Peter O’Mahony is also back as Johann van Graan makes nine changes.

JOHANN VAN GRAAN has recalled Simon Zebo to his Munster team to face the Cheetahs in their Guinness Pro14 clash in Bloemfontein tomorrow evening [KO 6.35pm Irish time, Sky Sports].

The Ireland international’s return at fullback is one of nine changes to Munster’s XV after last weekend’s win over the Kings in South Africa.

Simon Zebo, Conor Murray, Andrew Conway and Billy Holland Simon Zebo, Conor Murray, Andrew Conway and Billy Holland on Table Mountain this week. Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

Andrew Conway and Darren Sweetnam come in on the wings in an all-new back three, while Sammy Arnold replaces Rory Scannell in midfield, where he will link up with the retained Dan Goggin – who has moved into the 12 jersey.

JJ Hanrahan has shifted from fullback to the 10 shirt, with James Hart continuing at scrum-half.

Brian Scott, who has featured at tighthead for Munster this season, is named to start at loosehead, with Niall Scannell and John Ryan retained in the other two front row slots.

Gerbrandt Grobler continues in the second row after a strong outing against the Kings, with Billy Holland coming in to partner him as Jean Kleyn gets the weekend off.

Captain Peter O’Mahony returns to the side in an all-changed back row that also includes Jack O’Donoghue and Robin Copeland, last weekend’s captain CJ Stander also being rested.

Frontline backs Conor Murray, Ian Keatley and Scannell are included on the bench, alongside front rows Rhys Marshall, Dave Kilcoyne and Stephen Archer, the versatile Dave O’Callaghan and openside flanker Conor Oliver.

Munster:

15. Simon Zebo
14. Andrew Conway
13. Sammy Arnold
12. Dan Goggin
11. Darren Sweetnam
10. JJ Hanrahan
9. James Hart

1. Brian Scott
2. Niall Scannell
3. John Ryan
4. Gerbrandt Grobler
5. Billy Holland
6. Peter O’Mahony (captain)
7. Jack O’Donoghue
8. Robin Copeland

Replacements:

16. Rhys Marshall
17. Dave Kilcoyne
18. Stephen Archer
19. Dave O’Callaghan
20. Conor Oliver
21. Conor Murray
22. Ian Keatley
23. Rory Scannell

The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!

Be part of the audience for The42 Rugby Show Champions Cup preview night

Team taking shape, but individual errors to blame for Connacht struggles, says McKeon

Your Voice
Readers Comments
13
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel