Munster has announced their team for Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup Round 3 clash against Saracens at Thomond Park, with the match kicking off at 5.30 pm.
Three players return to the starting lineup after the recent game against Leinster, with Jack Crowley, Conor Murray, and Jack O’Donoghue all named in the side.
Mike Haley starts at full-back, with Calvin Nash and Shane Daly completing the back three on the wings.
Murray and Crowley form the half-back pairing. Murray returns from an elbow injury to earn his 198th Munster cap, while Rory Scannell and Tom Farrell continue their centre partnership.
In the forwards, Dian Bleuler, Niall Scannell, and Oli Jager start in an unchanged front row, with Fineen Wycherley and captain Tadhg Beirne locking the scrum. O’Donoghue makes his return from injury to take his place in the back row alongside Alex Kendellen and Gavin Coombes.
Team News is in for Round 3!
3⃣Three changes to the side that faced Leinster.
☘️International half-back pairing.
🔙Conor Murray & Jack O'Donoghue return from injury.
🔗https://t.co/mOP5V6EfeU#SUAF 🔴| #MUNvSAR | @ChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/FXoE50UjpC— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) January 10, 2025
Farrell and Niall Scannell maintain their ever-present records this season, with Farrell earning his 13th consecutive start.
On the bench, Diarmuid Barron, John Ryan, and Stephen Archer provide front-row cover, with Tom Ahern, John Hodnett, and Brian Gleeson rounding out the forward replacements. Barron is also set to return from a shoulder injury. Paddy Patterson and Billy Burns are the backup options in the backline.
Peter O’Mahony remains unavailable for selection as he continues his recovery from a calf contusion.
Forwards:
- Front Row: Dian Bleuler (Prop) Niall Scannell (Hooker) Oli Jager (Prop)
- Second Row: Fineen Wycherley (Lock) Tadhg Beirne (Lock—Captain)
- Back Row: Jack O’Donoghue (Flanker) Alex Kendellen (Flanker) Gavin Coombes (Number 8)
Backs:
- Half-backs: Conor Murray (Scrum-half) Jack Crowley (Out-half)
- Centres: Rory Scannell (Centre) Tom Farrell (Centre)
- Back Three: Mike Haley (Full-back) Calvin Nash (Wing) Shane Daly (Wing)
Replacements:
- Forwards: Diarmuid Barron (hooker), John Ryan (Prop)Stephen Archer (Prop) Tom Ahern (Lock)John Hodnett (Back Row)Brian Gleeson (Back Row)
- Backs: Paddy Patterson (Scrum-half) Billy Burns (Out-half)
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