Magners League Official Website : Connacht announce side to play Munster

Stephen Knoop set to return for Connacht

Connacht announce side to play Munster

1 December 2006, 12:33 pm

By Jonathan McConnell

Michael Bradley has finalized his Connacht side ahead of their Magners League clash with Munster on Sunday at Thomond Park.

In all there are five changes to the side which played Cardiff two weeks ago.
John Fogarty, Ray Hogan, Colm Rigney, Mark McHugh and Conor McPhillips, all of whom were named among the replacements against Cardiff, are named in the starting 15 for Sunday. Adrian Flavin, Brett Wilkinson, Brendan O'Connor and John Hearty move in the opposite direction with Matt Mostyn not included, due to having sustained an injury against Cardiff.

A decision will be reached closer to kick off on whether Brett Sturgess or Stephen Knoop will start the game at tighthead prop. The five changes to the side could become six, should Knoop start the game.

Connacht team to play Munster:
15. Daniel Riordan; 14. Conor McPhillips, 13. Paul Warwick, 12. Keith Matthews, 11. Darren Yapp; 10. Mark McHugh, 9. Chris Keane; 1. Ray Hogan, 2. John Fogarty(C), 3. Brett Sturgess/Stephen Knoop; 4. David Gannon, 5. Andrew Farley; 6. John Muldoon, 7. Ray Ofisa, 8. Colm Rigney.

Replacements: 16. Adrian Flavin, 17. Brett Wilkinson, 18. Ryan Strudwick, 19. Brendan O'Connor, 20. Conor O'Loughlin, 21. Gavin Williams, 22. John Hearty.

Players not considered due to injury: Ronan Loughney (knee), Joe Merrigan (leg), Matt Mostyn (ankle), Tom Tierney (knee).