MUNSTER AND ULSTER have both named exciting young utility backs in the number 15 jersey for tomorrow’s inter-provincial clash at Thomond Park (KO 19.35).
JJ Hanrahan and Stuart Olding will again fill the fullback roles and line up opposite each other in this Pro12 encounter building up to next weekend’s European Cup action.
Anthony Foley has made five changes to the side that defeated the Dragons last time out with BJ Botha and Duncan Casey bolstering the front row.
The back row also sees a major reshuffle with Robin Copeland moved to blindside to accommodate CJ Stander at number eight, and Paddy Butler named at number seven.
Ulster have been able to name captain Rory Best at hooker after he made a return from injury in Ireland’s win over the Wallabies last week.
Robbie Diack is named among the replacements along with wing Michael Allen on his return from shoulder injury.
Munster
15. JJ Hanrahan
14. Gerhard van den Heever
13. Pat Howard
12. Denis Hurley
11 Ronan O’Mahony
10. Ian Keatley
9. Duncan Williams
1. John Ryan
2. Duncan Casey
3. BJ Botha
4. Donncha O’Callaghan (Capt),
5 Billy Holland
6. Robin Copeland
7. Paddy Butler
8. CJ Stander
Replacements: Kevin O’Byrne, Dave Kilcoyne, Stephen Archer, Tommy O’Donnell, Sean Dougall, Neil Cronin, Andrew Smith, Felix Jones.
Ulster
15. Stuart Olding
14. Louis Ludik
13. Darren Cave
12. Stuart McCloskey
11. Craig Gilroy
10. Ian Humphreys
9. Paul Marshall:
1. Callum Black
2. Rory Best (Capt)
3. Wiehahn Herbst
4. Alan O’Connor
5. Franco van der Merwe
6. R Wilson
7. Sean Reidy
8. Nick Williams
Replacements: Rob Herring, Andy Warwick, Declan Fitzpatrick, Lewis Stevenson, Robbie Diack, Michael Heaney, Michael Allen, Peter Nelson.