Munster v Ospreys, Musgrave Park (7.35, live on TG4)
Peter O’Mahony continues to add to the 200 minutes of first class rugby over four matches this season as he leads Munster in what will be a very tricky assignment against the high flying Ospreys. He’ll then swap the red jersey for a green one at some point in a November test series that sees Canada, New Zealand and Australia visit Dublin.
The other newsworthy item from Rassie Erasmus team selection is the presence of new signing and former Chiefs hooker Rhys Marshall on a three-year deal. The New Zealander starts on the bench as does South African born, Young Munster scrumhalf Abrie Griesel, and prop Peter McCabe; all three will make their Pro12 debuts if called upon.
There are four changes to the side that snatched a superb win in Belfast with Stephen Archer, Darren O'Shea, Robin Copeland and Tyler Bleyendaal being introduced to the run-on team. There is plenty of pace and football in the three quarter line, one that includes Rory Scannell, who has been really excellent this season.
Speaking of speed, the Ospreys possess two of the quickest players in the Pro12, in teenager Keelan Giles and Eli Walker. The visitors may be missing their Welsh international contingent but they can still field a strong team, buoyed too by the knowledge that they won on their last visit to Cork, back in January.
This group of Munster players have demonstrated great character in recent weeks and with O’Mahony as a lightning rod should continue that progress.
Munster: A Conway; D Sweetnam, J Taute, R Scannell, R O'Mahony; T Bleyendaal, D Williams; D Kilcoyne, N Scannell, S Archer; D O'Shea, R Copeland; P O'Mahony (capt), T O'Donnell, J O'Donoghue.Replacements: R Marshall, P McCabe, B Scott, J Madigan, C Oliver, A Griesel, I Keatley, A Wootton.
Ospreys: D Evans, K Giles, B John, A Beck, E Walker; J Matavesi, T Habberfield (capt); P James, S Parry, D Arhip; L Ashley, A Beard; R McCusker, O Cracknell, J Bearman. Replacements: H Gustafson, G Thomas, M Fia, R Jones, S Otten, B Leonard, J Spratt, D Howells.
Referee: M Mitrea (Italy)
