Munster ring the changes for Scarlets
Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:36
Ian Dowling has recovered from the ankle injury he picked up in the game against Edinburgh to take his place in the Munster side for Thursday's Magners League clash with the Scarlets at Musgrave Park.
Also included in the starting XV is Niall Ronan who was also injured in that game while there is a return to action for Dave Ryan who has been sidelined up to this after a shoulder operation.
With Ronan O'Gara and Tony Buckley not available this time round, Munster coach Tony McGahan makes eight changes in total from the side that disappointed against Dragons last time, one of those positional with Paul Warwick stepping in to the flyhalf berth while Scott Deasy will wear the No. 15 jersey.
The accumulation of three yellow cards means Lifeimi Mafi gets an enforced rest, so Tom Gleeson will partner Jean de Villiers in midfield as he did in the game against Connacht back in December.
Up front, it seems a case of freshening
things up, with Damien Varley starting ahead of Denis Fogarty and Julien Brugnaut in at tighthead for the internationally-engaged Tony Buckley.
After a good showing in Newport, Billy Holland continues his partnership with skipper Mick O'Driscoll while Niall Ronan's return to fitness sees him preferred to Tommy O'Donnell - who is named on the bench alongside Alan Quinlan - with Nick Williams starting on the flank.
Team:
Munster: 15 Scott Deasy; 14 Doug Howlett, 13 Tom Gleeson, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Ian Dowling; 10 Paul Warwick, 9 Peter Stringer; 8 James Coughlan, 7 Niall Ronan, 6 Nick Williams, 5 Billy Holland; 4 Mick O'Driscoll (captain), 3 Julien Brugnaut; 2 Damien Varley, 1 Marcus Horan
Replacements: 16 Denis Fogarty, Donnacha Ryan, Alan Quinlan, Tommy O'Donnell, Duncan Williams, Jeremy Manning, Denis Hurley.
Date: Thursday, 18 March
Venue:
Musgrave Park
Kick-off: 19.35 GMT
Referee: Neil Paterson (SRU)
Assistant referees: D Phillips (IRFU) D Connolly (IRFU)
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