Munster’s Lions Return For Cardiff Clash on Saturday

Munster’s Lions contingent of Conor Murray, captain Peter O’Mahony and CJ Stander are among nine changes made by Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus for tomorrow’s Guinness PRO14 clash with Cardiff Blues at Thomond Park – ko 1.30pm.

O’Mahony and Stander are among six changes to the pack with the international front row trio of Dave Kilcoyne, Niall Scannell and John Ryan all making their first starts of the season.

Peter O’Mahony is set to return on Saturday

Robin Copeland is another to make his first start of 2017/18, doing so alongside Billy Holland in the second row.  Tommy O’Donnell remains in situ at openside with O’Mahony and Stander returning at 6 and 8 respectively.

Murray and Ian Keatley come in at half-back as does Jaco Taute in midfield. Partnering Rory Scannell, the South African takes charge of the outside channel for the first time this season.

No change in the back-three combination – Alex Wootton, Darren Sweetnam and Andrew Conway have to date started every game of the campaign.

Named on the bench, following a two-season spell at Northampton Saints, JJ Hanrahan is in line for his first Munster appearance since the 2015 PRO12 Final in Belfast.

Shannon lock Sean McCarthy is included in his first matchday squad this season, while new arrival from Saracens, Mark Flanagan, could make his Munster debut off the bench.

Munster v Cardiff Blues, Guinness PRO12 round five, Saturday September 30 at Thomond Park Stadium – ko 1.30pm.

Tickets can be purchased online at munsterrugby.ie, from the Munster Rugby Ticket Offices in Thomond Park and Irish Independent Park or at the ground on matchday from 9am.