CAPE TOWN – CJ Stander will captain the Munster side to take on the Southern Kings for the first time in a Pro14 clash on Saturday at Outeniqua Park, George.
Stander, who turned 28 on Thursday, was born in the Southern Cape town of George. He is one of five players to retain their place from last weekend’s Champions Cup quarterfinal win against Toulon in Thomond Park.
In making ten changes coach Johann van Graan introduces an all-international front row with James Cronin, Niall Scannell and John Ryan starting.
Jean Kleyn continues in the second row and is joined by Gerbrandt Grobler for his second start of the campaign, while the backrow sees Dave O’Callaghan and Conor Oliver on either side of Stander.
Dan Goggin links up with Rory Scannell in midfield with fullback JJ Hanrahan and academy winger Calvin Nash joining Alex Wootton in the back three.
Scrum-half James Hart partners Ian Keatley in the half back pairing.
In managing player loads, and with Darren Sweetnam and Simon Zebo already ruled out, Head Coach Johann van Graan names six forwards in the replacements including Dave Kilcoyne who will make his 150th appearance for the province if called upon.
The Munster team is:
JJ Hanrahan; Calvin Nash, Dan Goggin, Rory Scannell, Alex Wootton; Ian Keatley, James Hart; James Cronin, Niall Scannell, John Ryan; Jean Kleyn, Gerbrandt Grobler; Dave O’Callaghan, Conor Oliver, CJ Stander (C).
Replacements: Rhys Marshall, David Kilcoyne, Brian Scott, Billy Holland, Jack O’Donoghue, Jack Stafford, Stephen Fitzgerald, Robin Copeland.