Stander returns to Munster team for Cardiff

CJ Stander will make his first appearance of the season after being named in Munster’s team to play the Cardiff Blues in the Guinness Pro14 on Friday evening.

Head Coach Johann van Graan has made six changes to the starting lineup for the trip to Wales, with JJ Hanrahan, Jaco Taute, Mike Sherry and Jean Kleyn coming into the side.

Hanrahan is named at full back and will be flanked on the wings by Darren Sweetnam and Andrew Conway. Taute will partner Rory Scannell in his first start since returning from injury at outside centre.

After an impressive first start last week against the Ospreys, Joey Carbery is again at out half, with Duncan Williams named at scrum half.

Jacmes Cronin and Stephen Archer will be either side of Sherry in the front row, while Kleyn returns to partner Tadhg Beirne behind them.

Peter O’Mahony captains the team from blindside flanker, with Chris Cloete and Stander making up the back row.

There could be a debut for Garryowen hooker Diarmuid Barron after he was named in the replacements. Keith Earls had been expected to play some part in the game but both he and Rhys Marshall picked up knocks and not available for selection.

Kick off at Cardiff Arms Park tomorrow is at 7:35pm and is live on TG4 and EirSport.

Munster: JJ Hanrahan; Andrew Conway, Jaco Taute, Rory Scannell, Darren Sweetnam; Joey Carbery, Duncan Williams; James Cronin, Mike Sherry, Stephen Archer; Jean Kleyn, Tadhg Beirne; Peter O’Mahony (C), Chris Cloete, CJ Stander.

Replacements: Diarmuid Barron, Dave Kilcoyne, Brian Scott, Darren O’Shea, Tommy O’Donnell, Jack Stafford, Bill Johnston, Shane Daly.