Munster v Blues: Team news
Last Updated: 13/02/15 4:12pm
Anthony Foley has named a strong Munster team to face Cardiff at Irish Independent Park as internationals Ian Keatley and Keith Earls feature for the Irish side.
After starting last weekend's Six Nations victory over Italy, Keatley has been made available to the province this weekend and will partner Duncan Williams in the half-backs.
Denis Hurley partners Earls in midfield and captains the side in the No 12 jersey as he makes his 145th appearance for the club after signing a contract extension in January.
Academy player Jack O'Donoghue makes his first senior start for the province. Meanwhile Blues Fly-half Rhys Patchell makes a return to Pro12 rugby this weekend. Patchell's last league outing for the Blues was also against Munster, at the start of November, and he and his side arrive at Irish Independent Park desperate for a win that will help them climb up the standings to gain a crucial Champions Cup spot for next season.
Released
Blues director of rugby Mark Hammett has made eight changes to the side that started their last Pro12 encounter against another Irish side, Leinster, in January.
Richard Smith is called into the starting line-up on the wing while Patchell is joined by Lloyd Williams in a new half-back pairing for the Blues. Cory Allen has been released by Wales and partners Gavin Evans in the midfield while Matthew Rees captains the team from the front row in the No 2 jersey.
Italian No 8 Manoa Vosawai is back in the run-on team, with Josh Navidi moving to the openside flank to accommodate his return. Meanwhile Josh Turnbull completes the loose trio as he makes his 100th appearance in the Pro12.
Munster: 15 JJ Hanrahan, 14 Andrew Conway, 13 Keith Earls, 12 Denis Hurley (c), 11 Ronan O'Mahony, 10 Ian Keatley, 9 Duncan Williams, 1 John Ryan, 2 Eusebio Guinazu, 3 BJ Botha, 4 Donncha O'Callaghan, 5 Billy Holland, 6 Sean Dougall, 7 Dave O'Callaghan, 8 Jack O'Donoghue.
Replacements: 16 Niall Scannell, 17 Dave Kilcoyne, 18 Stephen Archer, 19 Shane Buckley, 20 Paddy Butler, 21 Neil Cronin, 22 Rory Scannell, 23 Ivan Dineen.
Cardiff Blues: 15 Joaquin Tuculet, 14 Richard Smith, 13 Cory Allen, 12 Gavin Evans, 11 Lucas Amorosino, 10 Rhys Patchell, 9 Lloyd Williams, 1 Sam Hobbs, 2 Matthew Rees (c), 3 Adam Jones, 4 Macauley Cook, 5 Filo Paulo, 6 Josh Turnbull, 7 Josh Navidi, 8 Manoa Vosawai.
Replacements: 16 Kristian Dacey, 17 Thomas Davies, 18Taufa'ao Filise, 19 Miles Normandale, 20 Ellis Jenkins, 21 Tavis Knoyle, 22 Gareth Davies, 23 Tom Isaacs.
