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Recap: Munster vs Racing 92 LIVE | Heineken Champions Cup
By RugbyPass
Follow all the action on the RugbyPass live blog from the Heineken Champions Cup match between Munster and Racing 92 at Thomond Park.
Keep up to date with the latest score, stats and join the conversation from anywhere in the world in our Live Match Centre (click here).
Munster make three changes to the side that defeated Ospreys 32-13 last weekend as JJ Hanrahan, Tadhg Beirne and Jack O’Donoghue all come into the starting XV.
Mike Haley starts at full-back with Andrew Conway and Keith Earls on either flank.
Rory Scannell and Chris Farrell continue their centre partnership with Conor Murray and Hanrahan in the half-backs. Tyler Bleyendaal, who started at No10 in Swansea, reported stiffness this week and was unavailable for selection.
(Continue reading below...)
Last week’s man of the match Jeremy Loughman, Niall Scannell and John Ryan pack down in the front row. Beirne partners Jean Kleyn in the engine room with O’Donoghue named in a back row that also includes captain Peter O’Mahony and CJ Stander.
Former All Black Alby Mathewson is among the replacements and is set to play his last game for the province.
Racing, who opened their campaign with a 30-10 home win over defending champions Saracens last Sunday, have made two changes, including a recall for former Munster favourite Simon Zebo.
MUNSTER: Mike Haley; Andrew Conway, Chris Farrell, Rory Scannell, Keith Earls; JJ Hanrahan, Conor Murray; Jeremy Loughman, Niall Scannell, John Ryan; Jean Kleyn, Tadhg Beirne; Peter O’Mahony (capt), Jack O’Donoghue, CJ Stander. Reps: Kevin O’Byrne, James Cronin, Stephen Archer, Billy Holland, Fineen Wycherley, Alby Mathewson, Dan Goggin, Arno Botha.
RACING 92: 15. Simon Zebo; 14. Teddy Thomas, 13. Virimi Vakatawa, 12. Henry Chavancy (capt), 11. Juan Imhoff; 10. Finn Russell, 9. Teddy Iribaren; 1. Eddy Ben Arous, 2. Camille Chat, 3. Cedate Gomes Sa, 4. Donnacha Ryan, 5. Dominic Bird, 6. Wenceslas Lauret, 7. Boris Palu, 8. Antonie Claassen. Reps: 16. Teddy Baubigny, 17. Hassane Kolingar, 18. Ali Oz, 19. Fabien Sanconnie, 20. Yoan Tanga, 21. A Gilbert, 22. Ben Volavola, 23. Brice Dulin.
Referee: Matthew Carley (England).
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Latest Comments
The way Ratima has been treated he needs to look OS. Same with Perofeta and Love, Hothem too. Razor is a token coach. Gives debuts but very few mins. Also DM too. Just go earn millions elsewhere DM as all you get in NZ is bagging.
BB is coaches favourite and I say let him have BB right thru to the next 2 or maybe even 3 World cups.😁😁 Have JB outside him at 12...That just works so well.
Go to commentsIt certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
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