Saturday 5 April 2014

Munster v Toulouse - Preview


Munster have been boosted by the return of captain Peter O'Mahony for Saturday's Heineken Cup quarter-final against Toulouse at Thomond Park.

The flanker has recovered from a hamstring injury and replaces CJ Stander while James Downey is back at centre in the only other change.

A foot injury rules out lock Donnacha Ryan, who missed Ireland's Six Nations campaign because of a knee problem.

Louis Picamoles has been declared fit to start at number eight for Toulouse.

But former All Black Luke McAlister, another injury doubt, has been named among the replacements, along with France flanker Yannic Nyanga, while Thierry Dustautoir remains absent after missing the Six Nations because of a biceps injury.

O'Mahony was named in the squad to face Leinster in last weekend's Pro 12 defeat in Dublin but was a last minute withdrawal because of a hamstring twinge.

After successfully following a modified training schedule this week, the talismanic back-rower is included in Rob Penney's starting XV.

John Ryan takes the place of James Cronin, who is sidelined with an ankle sprain, on the replacements bench.

Alan Cotter and Gerhard van den Heeverare are both named in their first match-day Heineken Cup squad.

Dave Foley is selected ahead of Donncha O'Callaghan to join Paul O'Connell in the second row.

O'Connell believes the four-times competition winners will not be intimidated by the renowned Thomond Park atmosphere in Saturday's game.

It will be the first time the French giants have played at the Limerick venue.

"It's amazing that it's the first time they've come here but they've been to plenty of hostile grounds in the past so I don't think it will be a big deal for them," added the Ireland captain.

O'Connell says the Irish province will be facing a "mammoth task" against Guy Noves's team.

Munster: F Jones; K Earls, C Laulala, J Downey, S Zebo, I Keatley, C Murray, D Kilcoyne, D Varley, BJ Botha, D Foley, P O'Connell, P O'Mahony (capt), T O'Donnell, J Coughlan.

Replacements: D Casey, J Ryan, A Cotter, D O'Callaghan, CJ Stander, D Williams, JJ Hanrahan, G van den Heever.

Toulouse: M Médard; Y Huget, F Fritz, G Fickou, H Gear; L Beauxis, J Vermaak; G Steenkamp, C Tolofua, Y Montes, Y Maestri, P Albacete (c), Y Camara, J Tekori, L Picamoles

Replacements: J Bregvadze, C Baille, S Ferreira, R Millo-Chluski, G Galan, J-M Doussain, L McAlister, Y Nyanga.


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