RABODIRECT PRO12 Glasgow Warriors v MunsterTonight, kick-off – 7.30pm Firhill Stadium
THIS WEEKEND is too early for Munster to roll out their new signing Will Chambers, a centre and wing from the Queensland Reds. The short-term contract with the 23-year-old, who spent the last two seasons with the Super 15 champions and prior to that with Rugby League side Melbourne Storm, is subject to him being granted a valid working permit and passing a fitness test.
A proven line-breaker, Chambers made his debut in 2010 and ended that season as joint-top try scorer.
“We’re delighted to be able to secure the services of a quality player whose experience will stand us in good stead in the immediate future, while our players are on RWC duty and in the crucial period of the Heineken Cup Pool stages,” said Munster coach Tony McGahan, who makes four changes to his side for tonight’s visit to Glasgow.
Simon Zebo comes in as a straight swap on the left wing for Denis Hurley, who strained a hamstring in the opening win against The Dragons in Musgrave Park.
Up front the entire front row changes with Wian du Preez, Damien Varley and tighthead prop John Hayes starting ahead of Marcus Horan, Stephen Archer and hooker Mike Sherry, who has injured his shoulder.
Munster have beaten Glasgow in the last three meetings. Sean Lineen’s side also feel they conceded soft tries in Belfast last week and have made four changes
Loosehead prop Jon Welsh picked up an ankle injury and Ryan Grant comes into the front row. In the boiler house, Tom Ryder will pack down beside lock Nick Campbell, who makes his first start for the club. Captain Rob Harley switches from secondrow to blindside flanker, with James Eddie moving to the bench.
The backline from Belfast is retained except at scrumhalf, where Colin Gregor makes way for Henry Pyrgos, and on the wing, Federico Aramburu replaces the injured Tommy Seymour.
Verdict: Munster.
GLASGOW: S Hogg; F Aramburu, R Dewey, T Nathan, C Shaw; D Weir, H Pyrgos; R Grant, P MacArthur, M Cusack, T Ryder, N Campbell, R Hartley (capt) C Fusaro, R Wilson. Replacements: F Gillies, E Kalman, G Reid, J Eddie, R Pitman, C Gregor, S Wight, P Horne.
MUNSTER: J Murphy; D Howlett, D Barnes, L Mafi, S Zebo; I Keatley, P Stringer; W du Preez, D Varley, J Hayes; B Holland, M O'Driscoll; P O'Mahony (capt), N Ronan, J Coughlan. Replacements: D Fogarty, M Horan, S Archer, D Foley, T O'Donnell, D Williams, S Deasy, T Gleeson.
Referee: D Phillips(IRFU).
