JJ Hanrahan will start at out-half as Munster begin their United Rugby Championship campaign away to Scarlets on Saturday evening (5.30pm, live on Premier Sports).
The Castleisland native returned to his home province during the summer and will partner captain Craig Casey in the half-backs. It will be their first start together since Munster’s win away to Edinburgh in February 2021.
Casey captains Munster for the first time, while Niall Scannell wins his 200th cap at hooker. Dan Kelly, a summer arrival from Leicester Tigers, makes his debut at inside centre alongside Alex Nankivell.
Jean Kleyn is back fit after a knee injury sustained with South Africa and joins Fineen Wycherley in the second row.
Five Ireland internationals from the summer tour are included: Casey and Alex Kendellen both start, while Tom Ahern, Gavin Coombes and Jack Crowley are named on the bench.
Young Munster clubman Conor Bartley is set for his first senior appearance, included among the replacements after impressing in the AIL.
Munster XV v Scarlets
Backs: Mike Haley; Shane Daly, Dan Kelly, Alex Nankivell, Thaakir Abrahams; JJ Hanrahan, Craig Casey (captain).
Forwards: Jeremy Loughman, Niall Scannell, Oli Jager; Jean Kleyn, Fineen Wycherley; Jack O’Donoghue, Alex Kendellen, Brian Gleeson.
Replacements: Lee Barron, Josh Wycherley, Conor Bartley, Tom Ahern, Gavin Coombes, Paddy Patterson, Jack Crowley, Seán O’Brien.
Munster are without Tom Farrell, John Hodnett, Diarmuid Kilgallen, Michael Milne, John Ryan and Andrew Smith through short-to-medium term injuries, while Roman Salanoa is stepping up his training load.
