Munster Announces Squad For Champions Cup Showdown Against Castres
Munster Announces Squad For Champions Cup Showdown Against Castres
Munster Rugby named six changes for its Champions Cup clash vs. Castres. Tadhg Beirne captains the side, with Brian Gleeson set for his first Cup start.
Munster Rugby has named a refreshed starting 15 for its Investec Champions Cup Pool 3, Round 2 clash against Castres Olympique at Stade Pierre-Fabre this Friday (kickoff 9 p.m. Iocal time).
The team sees six changes from last weekend's victory over Stade Francais, signaling a mix of fresh faces and returning stalwarts.
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Hooker Niall Scannell, prop Stephen Archer and captain Tadhg Beirne are among the forwards stepping into starting roles, joined by back-row duo John Hodnett and Brian Gleeson.
Fullback Mike Haley is the sole change in the backline.
Gleeson will make his 11th appearance for Munster, but it marks a career milestone with his first Investec Champions Cup start.
Scannell and Archer bolster the front row alongside Dian Bleuler, while Beirne resumes a leadership role in the second row after his impactful substitute performance last week. Fineen Wycherley retains his spot as Beirne’s partner.
The back row sees Peter O’Mahony continuing as blindside flanker, with Hodnett and Gleeson adding fresh energy to the mix.
In the back line, Haley's return at fullback adds depth to a unit featuring wingers Calvin Nash and Thaakir Abrahams.
The midfield partnership of Alex Nankivell and Tom Farrell remains intact, with Craig Casey and Jack Crowley continuing as the halfback pairing.
Notable inclusions on the bench include veteran Dave Kilcoyne, who is back from a long-term injury, and prop Oli Jager, returning after a two-month absence. They join Diarmuid Barron as front-row replacements, with Tom Ahern, Alex Kendellen and Jack O’Donoghue completing the forward cover.
Paddy Patterson and Rory Scannell provide options for the backs.
Munster's exciting lineup, which blends their top-end talent with up and coming stars of the future, underscores the team's intent to secure another Champions Cup victory, building momentum in Pool 3 against a formidable Castres side.
Munster Starting XV
Mike Haley; Calvin Nash, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Thaakir Abrahams; Jack Crowley, Craig Casey; Dian Bleuler, Niall Scannell, Stephen Archer; Fineen Wycherley, Tadhg Beirne (C); Peter O’Mahony, John Hodnett, Brian Gleeson.
Replacements: Diarmuid Barron, Dave Kilcoyne, Oli Jager, Tom Ahern, Alex Kendellen, Paddy Patterson, Rory Scannell, Jack O’Donoghue.
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