Healy And Casey Feature At Half-Back For Munster
Half-backs Ben Healy and Craig Casey are pictured together during one of the Munster 'A' team's Celtic Cup matches last season ©INPHO/Tommy Dickson
With seven changes to the team that overcame the Scarlets, Munster will field a youthful side in Saturday’s Guinness PRO14 second round game against Edinburgh at Thomond Park (kick-off 7.35pm).
Rewarded for his late goal-kicking heroics in Llanelli, 21-year-old Academy out-half Ben Healy comes in for only his second senior start, featuring alongside Craig Casey (also 21) at half-back.
There is a new centre pairing as Alex McHenry steps up for his first senior start, joining forces with fellow Corkonian Rory Scannell. Former Saracen Matt Gallagher makes his Munster debut in a back-three combination with Zurich Irish Rugby Players’ Player of the Year nominee Andrew Conway and Mike Haley.
Up front, Jeremy Loughman and Fineen Wycherley are added to the tight five alongside Rhys Marshall, John Ryan and Tadhg Beirne, with the latter pair part of the newly-announced Ireland Guinness Six Nations squad.
Jack O’Donoghue, one of last week’s try scorers against the Scarlets, moves to blindside flanker to accommodate the return of Tommy O’Donnell to the openside berth. CJ Stander captains the Munstermen from number 8.
Roman Salanoa, the Hawaiian-born former Leinster prop, and Academy out-half Jack Crowley are set to make their Munster debuts off the bench, while Conor Murray and Dan Goggin return from their respective thigh and ankle injuries to be part of the matchday 23.
MUNSTER (v Edinburgh): Mike Haley; Andrew Conway, Alex McHenry, Rory Scannell, Matt Gallagher; Ben Healy, Craig Casey; Jeremy Loughman, Rhys Marshall, John Ryan, Fineen Wycherley, Tadhg Beirne, Jack O’Donoghue, Tommy O’Donnell, CJ Stander (capt).
Replacements: Kevin O’Byrne, James Cronin, Roman Salanoa, Gavin Coombes, John Hodnett, Conor Murray, Jack Crowley, Dan Goggin.