Munster make just one change for daunting URC QF trip to Bulls

Munster have named their side for Saturday’s URC quarter-final against the Vodacom Bulls at Loftus Versfeld.

It’s a tall order for Clayton McMillan’s outfit, who faced one of the competitions most dominant sides at home in Pretoria.

He has made just one change from the team that beat the Lions to secure a fifth-place finish, with Alex Nankivell coming into the side.

Mike Haley, Andrew Smith and Shane Daly form an unchanged back three, while Seán O’Brien partners Nankivell in midfield. Captain Craig Casey and JJ Hanrahan continue at half-back.

The pack is unchanged. Jeremy Loughman, Niall Scannell and Michael Ala’alatoa start in the front row, with Tom Ahern and Evan O’Connell in the second row.

Jack O’Donoghue, John Hodnett and Brian Gleeson complete the back row.

Diarmuid Barron, Josh Wycherley and Conor Bartley provide front-row cover from the bench. Fineen Wycherley, Gavin Coombes and Alex Kendellen are the forward replacements, with Wycherley set for his 150th appearance after missing the Lions game through injury.

Ben O’Donovan and Dan Kelly complete the replacements. Kick is 12pm Irish time, 1pm local.

Munster Rugby: Mike Haley; Andrew Smith, Alex Nankivell, Seán O’Brien, Shane Daly; JJ Hanrahan, Craig Casey (C); Jeremy Loughman, Niall Scannell, Michael Ala’alatoa; Tom Ahern, Evan O’Connell; Jack O’Donoghue, John Hodnett, Brian Gleeson.

Replacements: Diarmuid Barron, Josh Wycherley, Conor Bartley, Fineen Wycherley, Gavin Coombes, Ben O’Donovan, Dan Kelly, Alex Kendellen.