Springbok and ex-England star to make full Munster debuts against Glasgow

New signings Marnus van der Merwe and Kieran Brookes are set for their competitive Munster debuts on Saturday after being named in the squad for the province’s URC opener against Glasgow Warriors at Thomond Park.

Former England international Brookes has been handed a start at tighthead prop, while Springbok hooker Van der Merwe is poised to make his first appearance from the bench as Clayton McMillan begins his first URC campaign in charge.

The matchday squad also includes a potential competitive debut for academy fly-half Charlie O’Shea, whose rapid rise continues just weeks after joining Munster’s academy setup.

But speaking ahead of the fixture, McMillan’s focus was on the excitement surrounding the start of a new season and the opportunity facing a number of young and new players.

“There is always an extra bit of excitement and anticipation ahead of the first game of the season and the players are itching to get back on the pitch at Thomond Park,” said the Munster head coach.

“It has been a really positive few months and the highlight for us was probably getting out into the community for the training sessions in Thurles, Newcastle West and Ballina-Killaloe.

“The welcome we received from the three clubs was second to none and having so many supporters come out to watch training made those days really special.”

McMillan said the squad’s work over pre-season now needed to translate into performance against one of the competition’s leading sides.

“The players have worked hard over pre-season and now it’s their opportunity to show that on the field against one of the best teams in the URC.”

Special attention will fall on Brookes and Van der Merwe, who arrive with considerable experience, as well as young out-half O’Shea.

“We have three players set for their Munster debuts in Kieran, Marnus and Charlie. They are all at different stages of their careers but it’s always special making your debut so we want to make it a memorable one for them.”

One of the more intriguing selections is scrum-half Ben O’Donovan, who earns his first start for the province after impressing since joining the academy earlier this year.

McMillan believes the 21-year-old has grabbed his opportunity.

“Ben O’Donovan will make his first start at scrum-half and he has really taken his chance since joining our Academy at the start of the year.”

Munster’s faith in youth is further underlined by the inclusion of academy half-backs Jake O’Riordan and O’Shea among the replacements.

“We have two young Academy half-backs in the replacements in Jake and Charlie,” McMillan added.

“For Charlie in particular, he has had a whirlwind few weeks since joining us but he has taken it all in his stride.”

McMillan also provided an injury update on Shane Daly and Tom Ahern.

“Shane Daly and Tom Ahern were not available this week due to injury but are progressing positively.”

Munster: Mike Haley; Diarmuid Kilgallen, Alex Nankivell, Seán O’Brien, Ben O’Connor; JJ Hanrahan, Ben O’Donovan; Michael Milne, Diarmuid Barron (C), Kieran Brookes; Evan O’Connell, Fineen Wycherley; Jack O’Donoghue, Alex Kendellen, Gavin Coombes.

Replacements: Marnus van der Merwe, Josh Wycherley, Michael Ala’alatoa, Brian Gleeson, John Hodnett, Jake O’Riordan, Charlie O’Shea, Dan Kelly.