Keatley And Conway To Start For Munster

Munster director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has made two changes to the team that defeated the Scarlets for Friday’s GUINNESS PRO12 encounter with Cardiff Blues at Irish Independent Park (kick-off 7.35pm).

In an unchanged pack, James Cronin, Niall Scannell and John Ryan form the front row with Dave Foley and captain Billy Holland again completing the tight five.

Dave O’Callaghan remains at blindside flanker with last weekend’s man-of-the-match in Llanelli, Tommy O’Donnell, and Jack O’Donoghue continuing at openside and number 8 respectively.

The first change is seen in the half-backs with Ian Keatley coming in to partner Duncan Williams. Rory Scannell and Academy centre Dan Goggin continue in midfield with the final change at full-back where Andrew Conway makes his first appearance of the season, linking up with wingers Ronan O’Mahony and Darren Sweetnam.

Named among the replacements, returning international CJ Stander, hooker Duncan Casey and Academy full-back Stephen Fitzgerald are all in line to make their first PRO12 appearances of the season.

Casey spent much of last season rehabbing a pectoral tear and if sprung from the bench, he will make his first competitive appearance since November of last year. Tyler Bleyendaal was not available for selection after reporting a mild calf strain.

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 Cardiff Blues): Andrew Conway; Darren Sweetnam, Dan Goggin, Rory Scannell, Ronan O’Mahony; Ian Keatley, Duncan Williams; James Cronin, Niall Scannell, John Ryan, Dave Foley, Billy Holland (capt), Dave O’Callaghan, Tommy O’Donnell, Jack O’Donoghue.

Replacements: Duncan Casey, Dave Kilcoyne, Brian Scott, Donnacha Ryan, CJ Stander, Tomas O’Leary, Cian Bohane, Stephen Fitzgerald.