Goggin Gets The Nod In Munster Midfield
New director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has named his first GUINNESS PRO12 team ahead of Munster’s visit to Parc y Scarlets where they open their competitive season on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).
Rassie Erasmus makes just one change to the Munster side that defeated Worcester Warriors last Friday, with Dave Foley coming into the second row. Meanwhile, following two strong showings in the Kearys Renault Series, Academy centre Dan Goggin retains the number 13 jersey and will make his first competitive start on Saturday.
Returning Ireland internationals Dave Kilcoyne and Donnacha Ryan could see some game-time this weekend after being named on a bench that sees Academy prop Brian Scott and second row Jean Kleyn included in a PRO12 matchday squad for the first time.
James Cronin, Niall Scannell and John Ryan make up the front row with Foley coming in to partner captain Billy Holland in the second row. It is as you were in the back row with Dave O’Callaghan, Tommy O’Donnell and Jack O’Donoghue all retained.
Duncan Williams starts at scrum half alongside Kiwi number 10 Tyler Bleyendaal who will make his first PRO12 appearance since last December.
Having spent two years together in the Greencore Munster Academy, Goggin will be well acquainted with his midfield partner Rory Scannell, while Ronan O’Mahony, Darren Sweetnam and full-back Simon Zebo again make up the back-three. In total, 14 of Saturday’s starting line-up are products of the Munster development pathway.
Munster return to Irish Independent Park, Cork to face Cardiff Blues next Friday (September 9) at 7.35pm. Adult tickets from €;20 and family tickets from €;40 (two adults & two 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.
Tickets can also be bought as part of match packs – select a minimum of three games and save 10% across the cost of all tickets. Click here to start building your match pack now.
MUNSTER (v Scarlets): Simon Zebo; Darren Sweetnam, Dan Goggin, Rory Scannell, Ronan O’Mahony; Tyler Bleyendaal, Duncan Williams; James Cronin, Niall Scannell, John Ryan, Dave Foley, Billy Holland (capt), Dave O’Callaghan, Tommy O’Donnell, Jack O’Donoghue.
Replacements: Kevin O’Byrne, Dave Kilcoyne, Brian Scott, Jean Kleyn, Donnacha Ryan, Tomas O’Leary, Ian Keatley, Cian Bohane.