RASSIE ERASMUS HAS named Conor Murray in his Munster team to face Toulouse in their Champions Cup quarter-final at Thomond Park tomorrow [KO 5.45pm, Sky Sports 2].
Murray has been named in Munster’s number nine shirt. Source: Dan Sheridan/INPHO
The scrum-half has been struggling with a shoulder injury since Ireland’s defeat to Wales in the Six Nations three weeks ago, but he has come through Munster’s training week to be named in the nine shirt for tomorrow’s huge European clash.
Murray is joined in returning to the Munster XV by fellow Ireland internationals Keith Earls, Donnacha Ryan and Simon Zebo.
In further boosts for Munster, Jack O’Donoghue, Andrew Conway and Francis Saili have recovered from injury issues to feature on the bench.
Murray is partnered by Kiwi out-half Tyler Bleyendaal in the halfbacks, while Rory Scannell and Jaco Taute will continue their productive midfield combination. Zebo is at 15, as Earls and Darren Sweetnam get the nod out wide, meaning Conway is restricted to a replacement spot.
Dave Kilcoyne, Niall Scannell and John Ryan make up the front row, with Billy Holland earning selection in the second row alongside Ryan. A back row of captain Peter O’Mahony, Tommy O’Donnell and CJ Stander promises work rate and dynamism.
Dave O’Callaghan has been named as the replacement second row, with injuries affecting the province in that area, while Saili returns from injury to provide cover in the backline.
Munster (v Toulouse):
15. Simon Zebo
14. Darren Sweetnam
13. Jaco Taute
12. Rory Scannell
11. Keith Earls
10. Tyler Bleyendaal
9. Conor Murray
1. Dave Kilcoyne
2. Niall Scannell
3. John Ryan
4. Donnacha Ryan
5. Billy Holland
6. Peter O’Mahony (captain)
7. Tommy O’Donnell
8. CJ Stander