Jones To Lead Munster Against Glasgow Warriors
Munster head coach Anthony Foley has named his team to face Glasgow Warriors at Thomond Park on Friday (kick-off 6pm). In total, there are eight personnel changes to the side that defeated the Ospreys over a fortnight ago.
An all-new front row sees James Cronin and Stephen Archer start alongside hooker Duncan Casey, with Archer and Casey both making their first starts in this season’s GUINNESS PRO12. Archer also draws ever closer to the 100-cap milestone for the province and will make his 99th Munster appearance this weekend.
Mark Chisholm and Dave Foley again form the second row partnership with the returning CJ Stander, stationed at number 8, the only change in the back row. Dave O’Callaghan and Jack O’Donoghue continue as the blindside and openside flankers respectively.
Duncan Williams and Ian Keatley return at half-back with Tyler Bleyendaal switching to inside centre for the first time, while the New Zealander will be partnered in midfield by Academy talent David Johnston (pictured below), who is set for his second league start.
The only change in the back-three sees Gerhard van den Heever make his first PRO12 appearance of the season, starting on the left wing. Andrew Conway continues on the right flank with Felix Jones captaining the side from full-back.
At half-time, Munster’s victorious Women’s and age-grade (Under-19 and Under-20) Interprovincial teams will be honoured on the pitch, while the 1978 Munster team that defeated the All Blacks will also be in attendance.
The team of 1978 will present a cheque to St. Munchin’s Community Centre with all funds raised through royalties from Guinness’ ‘Made of More’ TV commercial which featured Munster’s now infamous win over New Zealand.
In celebration of the event, fans are also invited to a Rugby World Cup after-party in the Guinness Dugout Bar where New Zealand v Georgia will be screened live at 8pm.
Munster v Glasgow Warriors tickets from just €;20 for adults and €;7 for juniors can be purchased online here, from the Munster Rugby Ticket Offices at Irish Independent Park and Thomond Park, or by calling 0818 719 300.
MUNSTER (v Glasgow Warriors): Felix Jones (capt); Andrew Conway, David Johnston, Tyler Bleyendaal, Gerhard van den Heever; Ian Keatley, Duncan Williams; James Cronin, Duncan Casey, Stephen Archer, Mark Chisholm, Dave Foley, Dave O’Callaghan, Jack O’Donoghue, CJ Stander.
Replacements: Mike Sherry, Dave Kilcoyne, BJ Botha, Robin Copeland, Jordan Coghlan, Cathal Sheridan, Rory Scannell, Shane Monahan.