In a strategic overhaul, Munster's head coach Clayton McMillan has implemented eight changes to the squad ahead of their pivotal United Rugby Championship (URC) clash with Benetton. This decision follows a disappointing loss to Exeter Chiefs in the Challenge Cup, underscoring the urgency as Munster aims to maintain its position in the top eight of the standings. The remodelled team will face a formidable opponent in Benetton, who, despite their 12th-place struggle, will leverage their Test-laden lineup on their home ground at Stadio Comunale di Monigo this Saturday.
The revised lineup introduces Shane Daly, Calvin Nash, Andrew Smith, Diarmuid Barron, Michael Ala’alatoa, Jean Kleyn, Tom Ahern, and John Hodnett into the starting XV. Their inclusion comes at the expense of last week's players including Ben O’Connor and Thaakir Abrahams, among others. Notably, Nash, Barron, and Kleyn make a timely return from injury, adding much-needed vigor to the squad.
The back three will be comprised of Daly, Nash, and Smith, maintaining a dynamic that fans have come to expect. The centre pairing remains unchanged with Alex Nankivell and Tom Farrell, while the half-backs will see Craig Casey and Jack Crowley continuing their roles. The front row sees Jeremy Loughman, Barron, and Ala’alatoa, with Kleyn and captain Tadhg Beirne fortifying the engine room.
Completing the lineup, the back-row consists of Ahern, Hodnett, and Gavin Coombes. The bench is also bolstered by the inclusion of Lee Barron, Michael Milne, and Ireland international prop Oli Jager among others.
"Each game in the URC is a test of our resolve and readiness. The changes we've made are strategic, aiming to bring fresh energy and resilience against a tough Benetton side,"
stated McMillan, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in the team's strategy.
The match promises to be a gripping encounter with Munster looking to reclaim their form and secure a crucial victory away from home. The stakes are unmistakably high, and the atmospheric Stadio Monigo will no doubt add to the intensity of the evening’s competition.
Munster Team to face Benetton: 1. Jeremy Loughman, 2. Diarmuid Barron, 3. Michael Ala’alatoa, 4. Jean Kleyn, 5. Tadhg Beirne (c), 6. Tom Ahern, 7. John Hodnett, 8. Gavin Coombes, 9. Craig Casey, 10. Jack Crowley, 11. Andrew Smith, 12. Alex Nankivell, 13. Tom Farrell, 14. Calvin Nash, 15. Shane Daly Replacements: 16. Lee Barron, 17. Michael Milne, 18. Oli Jager, 19. Edwin Edogbo, 20. Brian Gleeson, 21. Ben O’Donovan, 22. Dan Kelly, 23. Alex Kendellen Venue: Stadio Monigo, Treviso Kick-off: 19.45 IRE & UK / 20.45 ITA & SA Referee: Ben Whitehouse (WRU, 114th league game) Assistant referees: Andrea Piardi (FIR), Riccardo Bonato (FIR) TMO: Keith David (WRU) Live on: Sky Italia, TG4, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv
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In a strategic overhaul, Munster's head coach Clayton McMillan has implemented eight changes to the squad ahead of their pivotal United Rugby Championship (URC) clash with Benetton. This decision follows a disappointing loss to Exeter Chiefs in the Challenge Cup, underscoring the urgency as Munster aims to maintain its position in the top eight of the standings. The remodelled team will face a formidable opponent in Benetton, who, despite their 12th-place struggle, will leverage their Test-laden lineup on their home ground at Stadio Comunale di Monigo this Saturday.
The revised lineup introduces Shane Daly, Calvin Nash, Andrew Smith, Diarmuid Barron, Michael Ala’alatoa, Jean Kleyn, Tom Ahern, and John Hodnett into the starting XV. Their inclusion comes at the expense of last week's players including Ben O’Connor and Thaakir Abrahams, among others. Notably, Nash, Barron, and Kleyn make a timely return from injury, adding much-needed vigor to the squad.
The back three will be comprised of Daly, Nash, and Smith, maintaining a dynamic that fans have come to expect. The centre pairing remains unchanged with Alex Nankivell and Tom Farrell, while the half-backs will see Craig Casey and Jack Crowley continuing their roles. The front row sees Jeremy Loughman, Barron, and Ala’alatoa, with Kleyn and captain Tadhg Beirne fortifying the engine room.
Completing the lineup, the back-row consists of Ahern, Hodnett, and Gavin Coombes. The bench is also bolstered by the inclusion of Lee Barron, Michael Milne, and Ireland international prop Oli Jager among others.
"Each game in the URC is a test of our resolve and readiness. The changes we've made are strategic, aiming to bring fresh energy and resilience against a tough Benetton side,"
stated McMillan, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in the team's strategy.The match promises to be a gripping encounter with Munster looking to reclaim their form and secure a crucial victory away from home. The stakes are unmistakably high, and the atmospheric Stadio Monigo will no doubt add to the intensity of the evening’s competition.
Munster Team to face Benetton: 1. Jeremy Loughman, 2. Diarmuid Barron, 3. Michael Ala’alatoa, 4. Jean Kleyn, 5. Tadhg Beirne (c), 6. Tom Ahern, 7. John Hodnett, 8. Gavin Coombes, 9. Craig Casey, 10. Jack Crowley, 11. Andrew Smith, 12. Alex Nankivell, 13. Tom Farrell, 14. Calvin Nash, 15. Shane Daly Replacements: 16. Lee Barron, 17. Michael Milne, 18. Oli Jager, 19. Edwin Edogbo, 20. Brian Gleeson, 21. Ben O’Donovan, 22. Dan Kelly, 23. Alex Kendellen Venue: Stadio Monigo, Treviso Kick-off: 19.45 IRE & UK / 20.45 ITA & SA Referee: Ben Whitehouse (WRU, 114th league game) Assistant referees: Andrea Piardi (FIR), Riccardo Bonato (FIR) TMO: Keith David (WRU) Live on: Sky Italia, TG4, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv