Munster And All Blacks XV Set For Historic Showdown At Thomond Park
Munster And All Blacks XV Set For Historic Showdown At Thomond Park
Munster faces the All Blacks XV in a sold-out clash at Thomond Park. Captains Diarmuid Barron and Du’Plessis Kirifi lead two strong lineups.
Munster Rugby is gearing up for an electrifying, sold-out showdown against the All Blacks XV at Thomond Park, with a kickoff scheduled for 5:30 p.m. GMT this Saturday.
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Presented by Munster’s official energy partner, Pinergy, this match will see Munster host a New Zealand national team for the first time since its memorable 2016 victory over the Māori All Blacks.
To meet high fan demand, extra seating has been installed on both ends of the stadium, expanding Thomond Park’s capacity to 26,267. Fans can catch the action via live stream on Access Munster.
Munster Team Overview
Munster’s squad, captained by Diarmuid Barron, features a mix of seasoned players and emerging talent from their Academy.
Peter O’Mahony returns to the lineup for his second appearance this season following a hamstring injury.
Academy players include debutant Diarmuid Kilgallen on the left wing and Shay McCarthy on the right wing, part of a total of six Academy players on the 23-man roster.
Additionally, Evan O’Connell is set to earn his first Munster cap, adding further excitement.
The starting back three includes Mike Haley at fullback, with McCarthy and Kilgallen on the wings.
Ethan Coughlan and Billy Burns are partners at halfback, while Rory Scannell and Tom Farrell take charge in the midfield.
The front row consists of John Ryan, Barron and Stephen Archer, with Fineen Wycherley and Tom Ahern, celebrating his 50th Munster cap, forming the second row.
The back row features O’Mahony, John Hodnett and Gavin Coombes.
Munster Starting XV
1. John Ryan
2. Diarmuid Barron (Captain)
3. Stephen Archer
4. Fineen Wycherley
5. Tom Ahern
6. Peter O'Mahony
7. John Hodnett
8. Gavin Coombes
9. Ethan Coughlan
10. Billy Burns
11. Diarmuid Kilgallen
12. Rory Scannell
13. Tom Farrell
14. Shay McCarthy
15. Mike Haley
Replacements
16. Niall Scannell
17. Kieran Ryan
18. Ronan Foxe
19. Evan O'Connell
20. Ruadhán Quinn
21. Paddy Patterson
22. Tony Butler
23. Ben O'Connor
All Blacks XV Team Overview
All Blacks XV head coach Clayton McMillan, alongside assistant coaches Jamie Mackintosh, Cory Jane and David Hill, has selected a robust team featuring a mix of capped All Blacks and emerging talent.
Du’Plessis Kirifi leads as captain, with seasoned first-five-eighth Harry Plummer as vice-captain.
The All Blacks XV is aiming to add to the storied rivalry between New Zealand and Munster, which dates back to their first encounter in 1905.
The starting lineup features George Bower, Brodie McAlister and George Dyer in the front row, with Bradley Slater, Xavier Numia, and Marcel Renata providing impact off the bench.
Isaia Walker-Leawere and Fabian Holland lock down the second row, while the back row consists of Oliver Haig, Kirifi, and Devan Flanders.
Experienced halfbacks Finlay Christie and Plummer will guide the attack, supported by Quinn Tupaea and AJ Lam in the midfield.
The back three includes Kini Naholo on the left wing, Chay Fihaki on the right and Shaun Stevenson at fullback.
All Blacks XV Starting XV
1. George Bower* (Crusaders / Otago)
2. Brodie McAlister (Crusaders / Canterbury)
3. George Dyer (Chiefs / Waikato)
4. Isaia Walker-Leawere (Hurricanes / Hawke's Bay)
5. Fabian Holland (Highlanders / Otago)
6. Oliver Haig (Highlanders / Otago)
7. Du’Plessis Kirifi - Captain (Hurricanes / Wellington)
8. Devan Flanders (Hurricanes / Hawke's Bay)
9. Finlay Christie* (Blues / Tasman)
10.Harry Plummer - Vice-Captain* (Blues / Auckland)
11. Kini Naholo (Hurricanes / Taranaki)
12, Quinn Tupaea* (Chiefs / Waikato)
13. AJ Lam (Blues / Auckland)
14. Chay Fihaki (Crusaders / Canterbury)
15. Shaun Stevenson* (Chiefs / North Harbour)
Replacements
16. Bradley Slater (Chiefs / Taranaki)
17. Xavier Numia (Hurricanes / Wellington)
18. Marcel Renata (Blues / Auckland)
19. Naitoa Ah Kuoi (Chiefs / Bay of Plenty)
20. Corey Kellow (Crusaders / Canterbury)
21. Noah Hotham* (Crusaders / Tasman)
22. Josh Jacomb (Chiefs / Taranaki)
23. Ruben Love* (Hurricanes / Wellington)
*Denotes capped All Blacks player
Head coach Clayton McMillan remarked on the significance of the match, noting the enduring rivalry and the “intense, competitive clash” expected before a passionate Irish crowd.
McMillan expressed confidence in the leadership of Kirifi and Plummer, emphasizing the blend of experienced players and rising talent eager to perform on the international stage.
Fans across New Zealand can tune in via Sky Sport NZ, while Access Munster will stream the match for Ireland and the UK. International fans in over 150 countries can catch the game on NZR+.
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