Munster welcome Cardiff Blues to Thomond Park on Saturday for an all-Conference A clash in the Guinness PRO14. What’s at stake: The Blues are currently bottom of Conference A but they did grab their first win of the season last time out against Connacht. Munster sit second in the conference after their unbeaten start came to a crashing halt against Glasgow Warriors last week. Team news (Munster) Munster’s Lions contingent of Conor Murray, captain Peter O’Mahony and CJ Stander are among nine changes made by director of rugby Rassie Erasmus. O’Mahony and Stander are part of six changes to the pack with the international front row trio of Dave Kilcoyne, Niall Scannell and John Ryan all making their first starts of the season. Robin Copeland is another to make his first start of 2017/18. Murray and Ian Keatley come in at half-back as does Jaco Taute in midfield. Partnering Rory Scannell, the South African takes charge of the outside channel for the first time this season. Team news (Cardiff Blues) Jack Roberts makes his competitive debut for Cardiff Blues as one of eight changes. Four of those changes come alongside Roberts in the back line, with Blaine Scully returning from injury to captain the side and Tomos Willams and Jarrod Evans forming an exciting half-back partnership. Up front, Matthew Rees returns to start at hooker, James Down and George Earle pack down at second-row and Olly Robinson steps up from the bench following an impressive debut last week. Talking points: Munster Rugby’s 100 per cent winning start to the Guinness PRO14 ended in Glasgow on Friday. But the Blues’ record at Thomond Park in all competitions since the region were formed in 2003 is played seven, lost seven. However, following a first competitive win of the season, assistant Blues coach Matt Sherratt insists there is added confidence in camp. “Winning makes a massive difference. It’s a results-based business. People come into training a little bit more buoyant,” he said. “We’ve not gone overboard because if Jarrod misses that kick (against Connacht), it’s a different feeling. “You have to stay processed, because it’s too long a season to get too massively high or massively low after a result. We weren’t the worst team in the championship after Edinburgh and we’re not the best team in the championship after Connacht. “We need to keep getting better every week, but having a win gives you a spring in your step and makes you look forward to the next game a little bit more. Key Battle: Nick Williams v CJ Stander The battle at No 8 at Thomond Park might well measure on the Richter Scale on Saturday. Nick Williams will lead from the front for the Blues against a Munster side with Stander back in their ranks. The Ireland international is coming off the back of a Lions Tour to New Zealand and will hope to hit the ground running in the new campaign. Key stat: The Munstermen have lost only one home game in any tournament since the Blues visited Cork in September 2016: 21-30 to Scarlets at Thomond Park in February 2017. Did you know? Along with Scarlets and Glasgow Warriors, Cardiff Blues are one of only three sides not to have received a card yet in the Guinness PRO14. Munster: Andrew Conway; Darren Sweetnam, Jaco Taute, Rory Scannell, Alex Wootton; Ian Keatley, Conor Murray; Dave Kilcoyne, Niall Scannell, John Ryan; Robin Copeland, Billy Holland; Peter O’Mahony – capt., Tommy O’Donnell, CJ Stander Replacements: Rhys Marshall, Liam O’Connor, Stephen Archer, Mark Flanagan, Sean McCarthy, Duncan Williams, JJ Hanrahan, Chris Farrell Cardiff Blues: Rhun Williams; Blaine Scully (capt), Jack Roberts, Willis Halaholo, Tom James; Jarrod Evans, Tomos Williams; Brad Thyer, Matthew Rees, Taufa’ao Filise, George Earle, James Down, Josh Turnbull, Olly Robinson, Nick Williams Replacements: Ethan Lewis, Corey Domachowski, Keiron Assiratti, Seb Davies, Macauley Cook, Lloyd Williams, Steven Shingler, Matthew Morgan Thomond Park, Limerick – 1:30PM on Saturday September 30, live on Sky Sports Referee: Quinton Immelman (SARU) Assistant Referees: Sean Gallagher, Gary Conway (IRFU) Citing Commissioner: Peter Ferguson (IRFU) TMO: Brian MacNeice (IRFU) Guinness PRO14 Final 2018 Ticket Information: Fans can save up to 20% on selected tickets, and prices start at just €30 for adults and €5 for children, and be booked via www.ticketmaster.ie
