Among the most hotly-anticipated affairs of Round 6 is this scintillating Irish matchup at Thomond Park, with both Munster and Ulster vying to record their fifth win in six and strengthen their Guinness PRO14 credentials. The hosts sit pretty at the top of Conference B with a solitary defeat at Toyota Cheetahs in Round 3 the only time they have come up short in the fresh campaign, and Johann van Graan’s side will be determined to bolster their title hopes here with a win. But 2005⁄06 champions Ulster will provide arguably their sternest test yet, with the Belfast-based side similarly being undone by just the Cheetahs so far and looking to better last season’s semi-final spot. Munster are boosted by the return of eight of their Rugby World Cup contingent: Andrew Conway, Chris Farrell, Niall Scannell, John Ryan, Jean Kleyn, Peter O’Mahony and CJ Stander all start with Conor Murray among the replacements. Ireland internationals Jacob Stockdale and Jordi Murphy return for the visitors, while Angus Curtis and Marty Moore make their first starts of the season. Kick-off: At Thomond Park, Limerick | KO 17:15, Saturday 9 November How to watch: Live on eir sport 1, Premier Sport 2, DAZN, PRO14.tv Players to watch out for: JJ Hanrahan (Munster), Dave Shanahan (Ulster) While Munster have rung the changes with many of their World Cup absentees returning from international duty, Hanrahan has kept his place following a string of strong performances. Having helped himself to 13 points in his side’s 33-23 win over Cardiff Blues last time out, the 27-year-old will be looking to continue his prolific form and steer Munster to another win. Also in fine form is scrum-half Shanahan, who notched the second of his two tries of the season in Ulster’s 22-7 win over Zebre in Round 5. Having made way for Championship top-scorer John Cooney in the XV for this clash, expect him to be an explosive addition to Dan McFarland’s team off the bench. Key stat: Munster are unbeaten in their last 24 home games in all competitions, since Leinster overturned them in Round 11 of the 2017⁄18 Guinness PRO14 season. Munster: Mike Haley, Andrew Conway, Chris Farrell, Rory Scannell, Liam Coombes, JJ Hanrahan, Alby Mathewson, James Cronin, Niall Scannell, John Ryan, Jean Kleyn, Billy Holland, Peter O’Mahony, Chris Cloete, CJ Stander Replacements: Jeremy Loughman, Kevin O’Byrne, Stephen Archer, Fineen Wycherley, Jack O’Donoghue, Conor Murray, Tyler Bleyendaal, Arno Botha Ulster: Matt Faddes, Rob Lyttle, Luke Marshall, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, Angus Curtis, John Cooney, Jack McGrath, Rob Herring, Marty Moore, Alan O’Connor, Sam Carter, Sean Reidy, Jordi Murphy, Nick Timoney Replacements: Adam McBurney, Eric O’Sullivan, Tom O’Toole, Kieran Treadwell, Matthew Rea, David Shanahan, Bill Johnston, Robert Baloucoune Cardiff City Stadium will play host to the 2020 Guinness PRO14 Final on June 20 as one of the most exciting days in the club rugby calendar comes to Wales! General sale tickets are available from http://bit.ly/PRO14Cardiff2020 and prices start at just £13 for concessions and £26 for adults (subject to booking fees), that’s a 15% early bird discount. Family ticket (2 adults / 2 children) prices begin at £64 and fans are encouraged to buy early to get the best value tickets.
