Rugby

Simon Zebo returns for Munster’s European opener in Castres

Rassie Erasmus makes five changes with Tyler Bleyendaal moving back to outhalf

Simon Zebo returns to the Munster side and is one of five changes for the Champions Cup opener away to Castres on Sunday. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho

Fri Oct 13 2017 - 12:03

Munster coach Rassie Erasmus has made five changes to his side for Sunday’s Champions Cup opener away to Castres Olympique on Sunday (1pm Irish time).

Simon Zebo returns to the side at fullback to replace JJ Hanrahan and is one of three changes to the backline, with Darren Sweetnam named on the right wing and Rory Scannell restored to midfield joining Champions Cup debutant Chris Farrell.

Tyler Bleyendaal returns to outhalf after his outing in midfield last week and will partner Conor Murray.

Keith Earls is retained on the wing after an impressive seasonal debut last Saturday that saw him score two tries in the defeat to Leinster

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In the forwards, newcomer secondrow Mark Flanagan makes his first start for the province and his Champions Cup debut.

Stephen Archer is introduced to the frontrow alongside Niall Scannell and Dave Kilcoyne.

Although the sides haven’t met since the 2011-12 season, this will be the 13th time these sides meet in Europe and in turn it becomes the most played fixture in the competition’s history.

CASTRES OLYMPIQUE: Julien Dumora; Taylor Paris, Afusipa Taumoepeau, Robert Ebersohn, David Smith; Benjamin Urdapilleta, Rory Kockott; Antoine Tichit, Jody Jenneker, Daniel Kotze; Loic Jacquet, Rodrigo Capo Ortega (capt); Yannick Caballero, Steve Mafi, Maama Vaipulu.

Replacements: Marc-Antoine Rallier, Mihaita Lazar, Damien Tussac, Christophe Samson, Anthony Jelonch, Ludovic Radosavljevic , Florian Vialelle, Armand Batlle.

MUNSTER: Simon Zebo; Darren Sweetnam, Chris Farrell, Rory Scannell, Keith Earls; Tyler Bleyendaal, Conor Murray; Dave Kilcoyne, Niall Scannell, Stephen Archer; Mark Flanagan, Billy Holland; Peter O'Mahony (capt), Tommy O'Donnell, CJ Stander.

Replacements: Rhys Marshall, Liam O'Connor, John Ryan, Robin Copeland, Jack O'Donoghue, Duncan Williams, Ian Keatley, Andrew Conway.

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