Thaakir Abrahams will make his first look since December as Munster journey to face Ronan O’Gara’s La Rochelle within the Spherical of 16 of the Investec Champions Cup on Saturday.
The South African strains out at full-back for the primary time in purple, coming back from an extended harm lay-off for the knockout conflict at Stade Marcel Deflandre.
Their group is bolstered by the return of a number of skilled names, nevertheless it’s the reintroduction of Abrahams that catches the attention.
The 24-year-old has had a irritating run. Signed for his tempo and footwork, he hasn’t featured for the URC outfit since getting injured of their Champions Cup loss to Castres.
Abrahams slots in at 15, a place he stuffed for each the South Africa U20s and the Sharks. He’s joined within the again three by Calvin Nash and Andrew Smith. The latter was unavailable for choice towards Connacht on account of Champions Cup registration guidelines however impressed on debut towards Glasgow final month.
In the midfield, there’s a reshuffle. Seán O’Brien moves in from the wing to partner Tom Farrell. Craig Casey and Jack Crowley (Participant of the Match final weekend in Galway) continues within the half-backs.
Up entrance, there’s no change within the entrance row. Jeremy Loughman, Diarmuid Barron and Oli Jager all go once more. Jean Kleyn and captain Tadhg Beirne mix within the second row for the primary time since October. Beirne leads the aspect.
The again row has a well-recognized look. Peter O’Mahony and John Hodnett are each handed match and begin alongside Gavin Coombes. O’Mahony’s availability is a well timed enhance.
Among the many replacements, Stephen Archer is in line for his 299th Munster cap. Conor Murray and Rory Scannell, with over 390 caps between them, provide expertise off the bench.
Alex Nankivell is suspended following a disciplinary course of, with the URC set to substantiate particulars in the end.
Over 2,000 Munster followers are anticipated in La Rochelle for the tie.
Munster Rugby: Thaakir Abrahams; Calvin Nash, Tom Farrell, Seán O’Brien, Andrew Smith; Jack Crowley, Craig Casey; Jeremy Loughman, Diarmuid Barron, Oli Jager; Jean Kleyn, Tadhg Beirne (C); Peter O’Mahony, John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes.
Replacements: Niall Scannell, Josh Wycherley, Stephen Archer, Fineen Wycherley, Tom Ahern, Conor Murray, Rory Scannell, Alex Kendellen.
