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The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
What Irish TV channel is Sharks vs Munster on? Time, stream, teams & odds for United Rugby Championship quarter-final
MUNSTER face the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship quarter-finals this weekend. Ian Costello's men will be looking to avenge the 41-24 defeat to the South African side from last October. Advertisement Here's everything you need to know about the match. When is it on and what time is kick-off? Sharks vs Munster will take place at Kings Park Stadium in Durban on Saturday, May 31. Kick-off is at 5:30pm Irish time. Where can I watch it? Sharks vs Munster will be shown live on TG4, with coverage beginning at 5:25pm, while it can be streamed via the TG4 Player. Advertisement Read More on URC The game will also be shown live on Premier Sports 1, with coverage beginning at 5:15pm. Those looking to stream the game can do so via a subscription to NowTV. What are the teams? Munster have named an unchanged starting XV for the third game in a row. Thaakir Abrahams, Calvin Nash and Diarmuid Kilgallen start in the back three. Advertisement Most read in Rugby Union Alex Nankivell and Tom Farrell, who has started every single game so far this season, continue their centre partnership with Michael Milne, Niall Scannell and Stephen Archer pack down in the front row with Peter O'Mahony's wife jokes 'glad I gave him three mini-mes' as kids help Munster hero with garden Diarmuid Barron, Josh Wycherley, John Ryan provide the front row back-up with Tom Ahern and Alex Kendellen completing the forward cover. Advertisement Should he be used, Scannell will become the 16th player to making 200 appearances for the province. Munster : Thaakir Abrahams, Calvin Nash, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Diarmuid Kilgallen, Jack Crowley, Craig Casey; Michael Milne, Niall Scannell, Stephen Archer, Jean Kleyn, Tadhg Beirne, Peter O'Mahony, John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes. Replacements : Diarmuid Barron, Josh Wycherley, John Ryan, Tom Ahern, Alex Kendellen, Conor Murray, Rory Scannell, Mike Haley. Advertisement Sharks: Aphelele Fassi, Ethan Hooker, Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Makazole Mapimpi, Jordan Hendrikse, Jaden Hendrikse; Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi, Vincent Koch, Eben Etzebeth, Jason Jenkins, James Venter, Vincent Tshituka, Siya Kolise. What are the odds? Sharks are 1/3 favourites to advance to the United Rugby Championship semi-finals. Munster, meanwhile, are out to 13/5. with the draw at 18/10. 1 Munster face the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship quarter-finals Credit: Shaun Roy/Sportsfile Advertisement
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Etzebeth: Munster's wounding by Sharks last year ‘doesn't count anymore'
The fact that Munster's coach resigned after the teams' last encounter will mean nothing, Eben Etzebeth said. South African utility back Thaakir Abrahams scores a try for Munster against Benetton – their last game before the play-offs. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images Sharks captain Eben Etzebeth said his side cannot draw on their significant win over Munster in the United Rugby Championship earlier this season – which resulted in the resignation of their coach three days afterwards – as playing any role when the teams clash in the quarter-finals. The Sharks crushed Munster 41–24 in Durban in October. It was the Irish side's third consecutive defeat, and with the team languishing at 12th on the log after six games, Graham Rowntree resigned as head coach. Munster recovered under interim coach Ian Costello and will face the Sharks again at Kings Park on Saturday (kick-off 6.30pm) in a last-eight clash. This is the Sharks' first-ever home quarter-final in the URC, though they have never progressed past this play-off phase. Munster, on the other hand, have won the URC in its current format once and three times in its previous formats. Munster are strong away from home Two years ago, they won all three of their knockout games away from home (Glasgow, Leinster and Stormers). Etzebeth drew on this when addressing the media on Tuesday. 'They are used to play-off success and winning away from home in knockout games, which are the most important. Everything you've done before now doesn't really count,' he said. '[It's the] first time we are hosting a quarter-final. It's an advantage. But we know Munster. 'They've got a history of playing well in knockout games. We are very aware of that, that they can be their best even away from home. They are a quality side and we definitely won't look too much into the past and the past result, where we came out on top. 'Just a weekend is a long time and that was more than half a year ago. That won't count at all.' Sharks look to home crowd advantage against Munster The Sharks captain said his side have had 'one of our best URCs yet'. Despite battling an injury dilemma for much of the season, the Sharks pulled off enough tight wins (eight victories were by seven points or fewer) to finish third on the log. 'It's a good opportunity for us to hopefully push a bit further in this competition. Having the home crowd advantage and doing it in front of our fans is a massive bonus,' said the Springbok lock. To win on Saturday would be another first for the Sharks after they secured their maiden SA shield earlier in the season.
Irish Independent
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Munster save their season with second-half surge to book URC play-off place and secure Champions Cup qualification
Today at 17:17 Munster saved their season with a second-half surge that ensures they can plan for Champions Cup rugby for the 31st consecutive season and look forward to a URC quarter-final in two weeks' time. Results elsewhere ensured that they needed a result here and it was far from straightforward against a Benetton side who threatened from the very first minute and led at half-time, only to be blown away by their hosts who refused to countenance the idea of joining Ulster and Connacht in the Challenge Cup as Lee Barron, Thaakir Abrahams and Josh Wycherley scored tries after half-time.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
What time and TV channel is Munster v Benetton on tonight? Streaming details, team news and everything you need to know for do or die URC clash
It's very much make or break for Munster and while there is a series of other results that could see the Reds sneak into the URC play-offs if they lose to Benetton, really the Reds have to do the business in their final regular season fixture. Losing at home on Friday night would almost certainly mean the end of their 2025/26 season ahead of the knock-outs, but the other consequence is the loss of their proud record of playing in the Champions Cup every year. Last week's victory at Thomond Park was encouraging in that respect as they saw off an Ulster side that also needed a victory. But Benetton will be a step up if they can maintain the level displayed in their recent performances, in particular the victory over reigning champions Glasgow in Scotstoun last week. READ MORE: Former Armagh star hits staggering scoring tally for new club as three brothers find the net READ MORE: Gaelic Football top 16 power rankings ahead of All-Ireland series Those two victories mean that the sides are virtually neck and neck heading into their finals showdown. The sides are locked together on 46 points and while Munster have a much healthier points difference banked, Benetton are ahead in seven place as they have won more matches (nine to Munster's eight). It's a minefield. Scarlets, on 48 points in sixth place, are two points ahead of Munster, Benetton and ninth placed Cardiff. Edinburgh are on 44 points in 10th. But the province have their fate in their own hands and, with home advantage as well, they have plenty in their favour against a quality side travelling to Cork. The match will be played at Virgin Media Park, Cork The match kicks off at 8pm on Friday It will be shown live on TG4 from (7.30pm) and Premier Sports 1 (from 7.55pm), and will be streamed live on Munster 1/8 to win, Benetton 5/1 to win; 30/1 draw Munster interim boss Ian Costello is putting his faith in an unchanged team and matchday squad. Thaakir Abrahams, Calvin Nash in the back three, Alex Nankivell and the ever-present Tom Farrell in midfield andCasey and Jack Crowley at half-back. Michael Milne, Niall Scannell and Stephen Archer make up the front row, Kleyn and captain Tadhg Beirne the second row and O'Mahony, John Hodnett and Gavin Coombes the back row. Lee Barron, Josh Wycherley, John Ryan, Fineen Wycherley, Tom Ahern and Alex Kendellen are the forward replacements, with Murray and Seán O'Brien providing the backs cover. Munster: Thaakir Abrahams, Calvin Nash, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Diarmuid Kilgallen, Jack Crowley, Craig Casey, Michael Milne, Niall Scannell, Stephen Archer, Jean Kleyn, Tadhg Beirne (captain), Peter O'Mahony, John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes. Replacements: Lee Barron, Josh Wycherley, John Ryan, Fineen Wycherley, Tom Ahern, Conor Murray, Seán O'Brien, Alex Kendellen. Benetton: Rhyno Smith, Ignacio Mendy, Tommaso Menoncello, Ignacio Brex, Paolo Odogwu, Jacob Umaga, Alessandro Garbisi; Thomas Gallo, Siua Maile, Simone Ferrari, Scott Scrafton, Federico Ruzza (captain), Riccardo Favretto, Manuel Zuliani, Lorenzo Cannone Replacements: Bautista Bernasconi, Mirco Spagnolo, Tiziano Pasquali, Niccolò Cannone, Sebastian Negri, Nicolò Casilio, Tomas Albornoz, Malakai Fekitoa. Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox
Irish Daily Mirror
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Munster v Benetton TV times, streaming details & team news for URC clash tonight
The mantra of the week in Munster camp has been do or die and while there is a series of other results that could see the Reds sneak into the URC play-offs if they lose to Benetton, really the Reds have to do the business in their final regular season fixture. First off, a defeat would almost certainly mean the end of their 2025/26 season ahead of the knock-outs, but the other consequence is the loss of their proud record of playing in the Champions Cup every year. Last week's victory at Thomond Park was encouraging in that respect as they saw off an Ulster side that also needed a victory. But Benetton will be a step up if they can maintain the level displayed in their recent performances, in particular the victory over reigning champions Glasgow in Scotstoun last week. Those two victories mean that the sides are virtually neck and neck heading into their finals showdown. The sides are locked together on 46 points and while Munster have a much healthier points difference banked, Benetton are ahead in seven place as they have won more matches (nine to Munster's eight). It's a minefield. Scarlets, on 48 points in sixth place, are two points ahead of Munster, Benetton and ninth placed Cardiff. Edinburgh are on 44 points in 10th. But the province have their fate in their own hands and, with home advantage as well, they have plenty in their favour against a quality side travelling to Cork. The match will be played at Virgin Media Park, Cork Click this link or scan the QR code to receive the latest rugby news and top stories from the Irish Mirror. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The match kicks off at 8pm on Friday It will be shown live on TG4 from (7.30pm) and Premier Sports 1 (from 7.55pm), and will be streamed live on Munster 1/8 to win, Benetton 5/1 to win; 30/1 draw Munster interim boss Ian Costello is putting his faith in an unchanged team and matchday squad. Thaakir Abrahams, Calvin Nash in the back three, Alex Nankivell and the ever-present Tom Farrell in midfield andCasey and Jack Crowley at half-back. Michael Milne, Niall Scannell and Stephen Archer make up the front row, Kleyn and captain Tadhg Beirne the second row and O'Mahony, John Hodnett and Gavin Coombes the back row. Lee Barron, Josh Wycherley, John Ryan, Fineen Wycherley, Tom Ahern and Alex Kendellen are the forward replacements, with Murray and Seán O'Brien providing the backs cover. Munster: Thaakir Abrahams, Calvin Nash, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Diarmuid Kilgallen, Jack Crowley, Craig Casey, Michael Milne, Niall Scannell, Stephen Archer, Jean Kleyn, Tadhg Beirne (captain), Peter O'Mahony, John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes. Replacements: Lee Barron, Josh Wycherley, John Ryan, Fineen Wycherley, Tom Ahern, Conor Murray, Seán O'Brien, Alex Kendellen. Benetton: Rhyno Smith, Ignacio Mendy, Tommaso Menoncello, Ignacio Brex, Paolo Odogwu, Jacob Umaga, Alessandro Garbisi; Thomas Gallo, Siua Maile, Simone Ferrari, Scott Scrafton, Federico Ruzza (captain), Riccardo Favretto, Manuel Zuliani, Lorenzo Cannone Replacements: Bautista Bernasconi, Mirco Spagnolo, Tiziano Pasquali, Niccolò Cannone, Sebastian Negri, Nicolò Casilio, Tomas Albornoz, Malakai Fekitoa.
