Murray 1 of 5 changes as Munster take on the URC champs

Munster have made five changes to their starting lineup for their upcoming URC Round 17 match against the Stormers at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday. The changes come after a disappointing loss to the Sharks in the Champions Cup two weeks ago.

Jeremy Loughman returns from a thigh injury to make his first appearance since December, and he will be joined by Diarmuid Barron and Stephen Archer in the front row. Alex Kendellen also joins the pack in the flanker position.

In the backline, Conor Murray will start at scrum-half, while Mike Haley will take the full-back position. Calvin Nash and Shane Daly will play on either flank, with Malakai Fekitoa and Antoine Frisch continuing their centre partnership.

RG Snyman, who made his second consecutive start, will partner with Jean Kleyn in the engine room. Peter O’Mahony, Gavin Coombes, and Kendellen complete the starting XV.

Keith Earls is set to make his 199th Munster appearance as a replacement, after recovering from a calf injury. However, Dave Kilcoyne was not available for selection this week due to injury.

Munster will be hoping that these changes will provide the boost they need to secure a victory against the Stormers.

Munster: Mike Haley; Calvin Nash, Antoine Frisch, Malakai Fekitoa, Shane Daly; Jack Crowley, Conor Murray; Jeremy Loughman, Diarmuid Barron, Stephen Archer; Jean Kleyn, RG Snyman; Peter O’Mahony (C), Alex Kendellen, Gavin Coombes.

Replacements: Scott Buckley, Josh Wycherley, Keynan Knox, Fineen Wycherley, Jack O’Donoghue, Craig Casey, Ben Healy, Keith Earls.