Munster name team for Pro 14 opener against the Dragons

The Munster team has been named for Saturday’s Guinness PRO14 opener against Dragons at Thomond Park (3pm).

Billy Holland captains the side as the lock begins his 13th season at the province with four Academy players included in the squad.

Hooker Kevin O’Byrne starts the clash in his 50th Munster appearance.

Nick McCarthy makes his competitive debut at scrum-half and partners JJ Hanrahan in the half-backs.

Tyler Bleyendaal and Rory Scannell team up in the centres with Mike Haley at full-back as wingers Darren Sweetnam and Shane Daly complete the back three.

Jeremy Loughman, O’Byrne and Stephen Archer pack down in the front row with Fineen Wycherley and Holland in the second row.

A back row of Jack O’Donoghue, Tommy O’Donnell and Arno Botha complete the side.

Head Coach Johann van Graan has opted to name six forwards on the bench with Academy players Diarmuid Barron, Keynan Knox, Jack O’Sullivan and Liam Coombes among the replacements.

James Cronin is set to make his first PRO14 appearance since November after recovering from injury with Knox and O’Sullivan in line to make their competitive Munster debuts.

Munster: Mike Haley; Darren Sweetnam, Rory Scannell, Tyler Bleyendaal, Shane Daly; JJ Hanrahan, Nick McCarthy; Jeremy Loughman, Kevin O’Byrne, Stephen Archer; Fineen Wycherley, Billy Holland (C); Jack O’Donoghue, Tommy O’Donnell, Arno Botha.

Replacements: Diarmuid Barron, James Cronin, Keynan Knox, Darren O’Shea, Chris Cloete, Alby Mathewson, Liam Coombes, Jack O’Sullivan.