3 days ago
Munster unchanged for quarter-final against Springbok-loaded Sharks
MUNSTER HAVE AGAIN named an unchanged team for tomorrow's URC quarter-final meeting with the Sharks in Durban [KO 5.30pm, TG4/Premier Sports].
It marks the third game in a row the province have selected the same starting XV.
Thaaakir Abrahams, Calvin Nash and Diarmuid Kilgallen start in the Munster back three.
Alex Nankivell is alongside Tom Farrell in the centre positions, with former Connacht man Farrell continuing his run of starting every game this season.
Ireland internationals Jack Crowley and Craig Casey are the starting half-backs.
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Michael Milne, Niall Scannell and Stephen Archer continue in the front row, while Jean Kleyn partners captain Tadhg Beirne in the second row.
Peter O'Mahony, John Hodnett and Gavin Coombes start in the back row.
Diarmuid Barron, Josh Wycherley and John Ryan are the replacement front rows on the Munster bench, with Tom Ahern and Alex Kendellen also part of the forward cover.
Conor Murray, Rory Scannell and Mike Haley are the backline replacements.
Scannell is set to make his 200th appearance for the province, and would to become the 16th player to reach that milestone for Munster.
The Springbok-loaded Sharks have made five changes.
Former Leinster and Munster player Jason Jenkins comes into the second row, while James Venter returns at six following a neck injury.
Two-time World Cup winner Siya Kolisi is back at number eight, Jordan Hendrikse has recovered from injury to start at 10, and Lukhanyo Am is named at outside centre.
Sharks:
15. Aphelele Fassi
14. Ethan Hooker
13. Lukhanyo Am
12. Andre Esterhuizen
11. Makazole Mapimpi
10. Jordan Hendrikse
9. Jaden Hendrikse
1. Ox Nche
2. Bongi Mbonambi
3. Vincent Koch
4. Eben Etzebeth (capt)
5. Jason Jenkins
6. James Venter
7. Vincent Tshituka
8. Siya Kolisi
Replacements:
16. Fez Mbatha
17. Ntuthuko Mchunu
18. Hanro Jacobs
19. Emile van Heerden
20. Phepsi Buthelezi
21. Bradley Davids
22. Francois Venter
23. Yaw Penxe
Munster:
15. Thaakir Abrahams
Thaakir Abrahams 14. Calvin Nash
13. Tom Farrell
12. Alex Nankivell
11. Diarmuid Kilgallen
10. Jack Crowley
9. Craig Casey
1. Michael Milne
2. Niall Scannell
3. Stephen Archer
4. Jean Kleyn
5. Tadhg Beirne (capt)
6. Peter O'Mahony
7. John Hodnett
8. Gavin Coombes
Replacements:
16. Diarmuid Barron
17. Josh Wycherley
18. John Ryan
19. Tom Ahern
20. Alex Kendellen
21. Conor Murray
22. Rory Scannell
23. Mike Haley
Referee: Mike Adamson (SRU)
