Munster Academy’s O’Sullivan To Make PRO14 Debut
Young back rower Jack O'Sullivan in pre-season action for Munster against London Irish at Irish Independent Park ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
The Munster team to face the Ospreys at Irish Independent Park on Friday night (kick-off 7.35pm) has been named by head coach Johann van Graan.
There are five changes to the side beaten 40-16 by the Toyota Cheetahs last time out as Calvin Nash, Neil Cronin, James Cronin, Jed Holloway and Jack O’Sullivan all start.
Academy number 8 O’Sullivan, who hails from Cork and turned 21 at the start of the month, makes his GUINNESS PRO14 debut in the back row, while Australian recruit Holloway is named in the Munster starting XV for the first time.
The unrelated Cronins and Limerick youngster Nash, who has two PRO14 tries to his name, all make their first starts of the season. Nash and the in-form Shane Daly form the back-three with the Ireland-capped Mike Haley.
The centre partnership of Dan Goggin and Rory Scannell is unchanged with Tyler Bleyendaal, who kicked three penalties against the Cheetahs, and Neil Cronin combining in the half-back roles.
Rhys Marshall, James Cronin and Stephen Archer pack down together in the front row, supported by former Waratahs forwards Holloway and captain Billy Holland in the engine room.
O’Sullivan takes over from Arno Botha in the number 8 position, forming an athletic back row trio with Jack O’Donoghue and Tommy O’Donnell. Standing by to make their first appearances of the season are replacement backs Craig Casey and Sam Arnold.
East, North and South Terrace tickets are available for the Munster v Ospreys game at their Cork home, with a family pack of four tickets (two adults and two juniors) priced at just €40.
Click here to buy your tickets now. Please note that online prices are lower than gate prices this season. The West Stand is sold out. The Irish Independent Park turnstiles will be open from 6.05pm at the Dolphin gate and the Sunday’s Well gate.
MUNSTER (v Ospreys): Mike Haley; Calvin Nash, Dan Goggin, Rory Scannell, Shane Daly; Tyler Bleyendaal, Neil Cronin; James Cronin, Rhys Marshall, Stephen Archer, Jed Holloway, Billy Holland (capt), Jack O’Donoghue, Tommy O’Donnell, Jack O’Sullivan.
Replacements: Kevin O’Byrne, Liam O’Connor, Jeremy Loughman, Fineen Wycherley, Arno Botha, Craig Casey, JJ Hanrahan, Sam Arnold.