New Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus has named his first Guinness PRO12 matchday squad ahead of Munster’s visit to Parc y Scarlets for their first clash of the competitive season.
Erasmus makes just one change from the starting XV that defeated Worcester Warriors last Friday with Dave Foley coming into the second row.
Meanwhile, following two strong showings in the Kearys Renault Series, academy centre Dan Goggin retains the number 13 jersey and will make his first competitive start tomorrow.
Returning internationals Dave Kilcoyne and Donnacha Ryan could see some game time this weekend after being named on a bench that sees academy prop Brian Scott and second row Jean Kleyn included in a PRO12 matchday squad for the first time.
James Cronin, Niall Scannell and John Ryan make up the front row with Foley coming in to partner captain Billy Holland in the second row. As you were in the back row with Dave O’Callaghan, Tommy O’Donnell and Jack O’Donoghue all remaining in situ.
Duncan Williams starts at scrum half and joins Tyler Bleyendaal in the half backs. The New Zealander will make his first PRO12 appearance since December.
Having spent two years together in the Greencore Munster Academy, Goggin will be well acquainted with his midfield partner Rory Scannell, while Ronan O’Mahony, Darren Sweetnam and full-back Simon Zeboagain make up the back three.
In total, 14 of tomorrow’s starting team are products of the Munster development pathway.
Munster: Simon Zebo; Darren Sweetnam, Dan Goggin, Rory Scannell, Ronan O’Mahony; Tyler Bleyendaal, Duncan Williams; James Cronin, Niall Scannell, John Ryan; Dave Foley, Billy Holland – capt.; Dave O’Callaghan, Tommy O’Donnell, Jack O’Donoghue.
Replacements: Kevin O’Byrne, Dave Kilcoyne, Brian Scott, Jean Kleyn, Donnacha Ryan, Tomás O’Leary, Ian Keatley, Cian Bohane.