Munster have named their side to face Benetton at the Stadio Monigo on Sunday
Head coach Graham Rowntree has made two changes to the starting lineup following last weekend's impressive 34-21 bonus-point victory over the Sharks at Thomond Park. Calvin Nash and John Hodnett have been included in the team
The starting team features three Academy players: Shay McCarthy, Ethan Coughlan, and Edwin Edogbo. They all retain their positions from the previous week. Academy prop Kieran Ryan has been named among the substitutes.
In the front-row, Josh Wycherley, Diarmuid Barron, and Stephen Archer maintain their positions, while Edogbo and Fineen Wycherley continue their partnership in the second row. Hodnett joins the back row at openside, flanked by captain Jack O’Donoghue and Gavin Coombes.
📢 TEAM NEWS | Here is your Munster side to face Benetton in Round 2 of the URC in Italy on Sunday 💪
Paddy Patterson is set for his first appearance since March while Seán O'Brien is in line for his debut 🙌
Click the pic below for full details.#MUNvSHA #SUAF 🔴— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) October 27, 2023
The half-back partnership of Coughlan and Joey Carbery remains unchanged, as does the centre combination of Rory Scannell and Antoine Frisch. Shane Daly retains his spot at full-back, and Nash, who missed the last match due to injury, returns to the lineup on the left wing. McCarthy shifts to the opposite wing
The replacements bench sees three changes from the previous week, with Alex Kendellen, Paddy Patterson, and Sean O’Brien included. Notably, new signing O’Brien is in contention for his Munster debut.
On the injury front, Paddy Patterson has successfully completed training in recent weeks and makes a comeback to the squad after recovering from a knee injury sustained in the previous season. This marks his first appearance since March. However, Andrew Conway is unavailable for selection due to a recent knock and will undergo assessment by the medical team.
Munster Starting XV:
Fullback: Shane Daly;
Winger: Shay McCarthy,
Centre: Antoine Frisch, Rory Scannell,
Winger: Calvin Nash;
Outhalf Joey Carbery, Scrumhalf Ethan Coughlan;
Front Row: Josh Wycherley, Diarmuid Barron, Stephen Archer;
Second Row: Edwin Edogbo, Fineen Wycherley;
Back Row: Jack O’Donoghue (C), John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes.
Replacements: Scott Buckley, Kieran Ryan, John Ryan, Tom Ahern, Alex Kendellen, Paddy Patterson, Alex Nankivell, Sean O’Brien.
