Munster ‘A’ Make Three Changes For Scarlets Clash
The Munster ‘A’ team to face Scarlets ‘A’ in the Celtic Cup at Irish Independent Park on Friday night (kick-off 7.30pm) has been named by head coach Peter Malone.
Eleven Greencore Munster Rugby Academy players are included in the matchday squad with Bill Johnston captaining the side again from out-half. Entry to the match in Cork is free for full and associate members of the Munster Rugby Supporters Club. All tickets are general admission – family pack (two adults and two junior): €;20, adult €;10 and junior €;5.
Munster ‘A’ have won all four of their Celtic Cup games so far to lie second in the Irish Conference behind Leinster ‘A’ on scoring difference, with the Scarlets ‘A’ team leading the Welsh section. Along with the Academy players, a mix of senior and club players are also included by Peter Malone.
Stephen Fitzgerald starts at full-back with Calvin Nash and Liam Coombes on either flank. South African recruit Matt More and Ireland Sevens international Shane Daly pair up in midfield, with Academy scrum half Jack Stafford joining Johnston at half-back.
Young Munster club man and Bantry native Josh Wycherley, Diarmuid Barron and Jeremy Loughman pack down in the front row with Josh’s brother Fineen Wycherley and Darren O’Shea providing senior experience in the second row. Sean O’Connor moves from the engine room to link up with Jack Daly and Dave O’Callaghan in the back row.
MUNSTER ‘A’ (v Scarlets ‘A’): Stephen Fitzgerald; Calvin Nash, Shane Daly, Matt More, Liam Coombes; Bill Johnston (capt), Jack Stafford; Josh Wycherley, Diarmuid Barron, Jeremy Loughman, Fineen Wycherley, Darren O’Shea, Sean O’Connor, Jack Daly, Dave O’Callaghan.
Replacements: Eoghan Clarke, Cronan Gleeson, Keynan Knox, Paddy Kelly, Dan Walsh, John Poland, Ben Healy, Alex McHenry.