Munster name side to face Gloucester in Champions Cup

The Munster team to face Gloucester at Thomond Park in the Champions Cup on Saturday afternoon has been named by Head Coach Johann van Graan (KO 1pm).

There are four changes, all in the pack, to the side that drew 10-all away to Exeter Chiefs in the Champions Cup opener last weekend.

An all-new front row has been named with James Cronin, Rhys Marshall and John Ryan coming into the side.

The second row pairing of Jean Kleyn and Tadhg Beirne is unchanged.

The final change to the team sees Tommy O’Donnell join captain Peter O’Mahony and CJ Stander in the back row.

The backline remains the same with a back three of Mike Haley, Andrew Conway and Darren Sweetnam.

Rory Scannell and Dan Goggin form the centre partnership with Duncan Williams and Joey Carbery in the half-backs.

Kevin O’Byrne, Arno Botha and Alby Mathewson join the replacements with Mathewson returning from a knee injury sustained against Leinster earlier this month.

Munster: Mike Haley; Andrew Conway, Dan Goggin, Rory Scannell, Darren Sweetnam; Joey Carbery, Duncan Williams; James Cronin, Rhys Marshall, John Ryan; Jean Kleyn, Tadhg Beirne; Peter O’Mahony (C), Tommy O’Donnell, CJ Stander.

Replacements: Kevin O’Byrne, Dave Kilcoyne, Stephen Archer, Billy Holland, Arno Botha, Alby Mathewson, JJ Hanrahan, Sammy Arnold.