Munster Team Named For Champions Cup Clash With Leicester Tigers

European rugby returns to Thomond Park.

New boss Johann van Graan has named his Munster team for this weekend’s crucial Champions Cup pool stage match with Leicester Tigers at Thomond Park in Limerick.

The South African has made  five changes in total to the side that defeated Ospreys in Irish Independent Park last weekend, including the return of  a number of Irish internationals, including  Peter O’Mahony, CJ Stander and Conor Murray.

A new look back-row sees Chris Cloete start in his first Champions Cup game as the South African flanker links up with the experienced duo of captain Peter O’Mahony and CJ Stander.

Murray joins Ian Keatley in the half backs with Rory Scannell and Sam Arnold again forming the midfield pairing. Arnold makes his Champions Cup debut in red after last representing Ulster in Europe in January ’16.

Winger Alex Wootton is another who will make his European bow this weekend as he retains his place to start in a back three that includes Conway and Zebo.

Munster: Simon Zebo; Andrew Conway, Sam Arnold, Rory Scannell, Alex Wootton; Ian Keatley, Conor Murray; Dave Kilcoyne, Rhys Marshall, Stephen Archer; Jean Kleyn, Billy Holland; Peter O’Mahony (c), Chris Cloete, CJ Stander.

Replacements: Kevin O’Byrne, Brian Scott, John Ryan, Darren O’Shea, Jack O’Donoghue, Duncan Williams, JJ Hanrahan, Darren Sweetnam.

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