Kerry’s JJ Hanrahan has retained the number 10 jersey for Munster ahead of this weekend’s URC clash with his former province Connacht.
The Currow man impressed after stepping in as a late starter in Munster’s 41-14 win over Ulster at Thomond Park and again starts at out-half with Jack Crowley still sidelined through injury.
Crowley is one of six players unavailable after last weekend, with captain Tadhg Beirne, Jean Kleyn, Oli Jager, Tom Farrell and Calvin Nash also ruled out.
Head coach Clayton McMillan has made five changes in total for the interpro clash.
Mike Haley returns from injury at full-back, while Fineen Wycherley, Michael Ala’alatoa and Edwin Edogbo all come into the pack.
Captain Craig Casey partners Hanrahan at half-back, with Alex Nankivell and Dan Kelly paired in midfield.
There’s also a milestone appearance for Alex Kendellen, who is set to make his 100th Munster appearance at just 25 years of age.
Munster Rugby:
Mike Haley; Shane Daly, Alex Nankivell, Dan Kelly, Andrew Smith; JJ Hanrahan, Craig Casey (captain); Jeremy Loughman, Diarmuid Barron, Michael Ala’alatoa; Edwin Edogbo, Fineen Wycherley; Tom Ahern, John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes.
Replacements:
Lee Barron, Josh Wycherley, Conor Bartley, Jack O’Donoghue, Brian Gleeson, Ben O’Donovan, Seán O’Brien, Alex Kendellen.
Meanwhile, the scheduled Munster A fixture against Connacht Eagles at Ennis RFC has been postponed.
