Munster Ring The Changes For PRO12 Clash With Scarlets

Rassie Erasmus has made five changes to his Munster team for Friday’s clash with the Scarlets.

Jack O’Donoghue (ankle) and Rory Scannell (knee) miss the game through injury but are expected to make a return to full training at some point next week.

On a positive front, Jaco Taute has made a full recovery from his shoulder knock sustained against Newport Gwent Dragons to start at fullback this weekend. The only other change to the backline sees academy centre Dan Goggin take his place alongside Francis Saili in midfield.

In making his second PRO12 start, academy back row Conor Oliver makes his first appearance in the number 8 jersey as he joins Dave O’Callaghan and Tommy O’Donnell in the back row.

In the replacements, Bantry native and first year academy lock Fineen Wycherley is included in his first Guinness PRO12 squad. The 19-year-old Young Munster player has made two starts for the Ireland U20s in this year’s Six Nations.

Ian Keatley and Andrew Conway return from Ireland camp to be named in the match-day 23.

Munster: Jaco Taute; Darren Sweetnam, Francis Saili, Dan Goggin, Ronan O’Mahony; Tyler Bleyendaal Capt., Duncan Williams; Dave Kilcoyne, Rhys Marshall, Stephen Archer; Dave Foley, Billy Holland; Dave O’Callaghan, Tommy O’Donnell, Conor Oliver.

Replacements: Kevin O’Byrne, Peter McCabe, Brian Scott, Darren O’Shea, Fineen Wycherley, Abrie Griesel, Ian Keatley, Andrew Conway.