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Rugby

15th May 2015

Munster without O’Mahony, Zebo and O’Donnell for crucial meeting with the Dragons

A home semi-final could be on the cards

Neil Treacy

Fear not Munster fans, O’Mahony and Zebo will be back next week.

The captain pulled up in training yesterday with a small knock, but they expect him to return in time for next week’s semi-final. Simon Zebo suffered a back spasm during the draw in Belfast last week, but he’s also expected to recover for next week’s last four game.

However, there was worse news for Tommy O’Donnell, with the flanker ruled out for 6-8 weeks with a torn hamstring, ruling him out for the semi-final and a potential final.

In total, Munster make five changes for tomorrow afternoon’s meeting with the Dragons at Irish Independent Park.

In the backline, Ronan O’Mahony starts in place of Zebo, while Ian Keatley is set to make his 100th Munster appearance.

Four changes come in the pack. John Ryan and BJ Botha step into the front row rotation, with Dave Kilcoyne and Stephen Archer moving to the bench.

In the second row Billy Holland comes in to partner Paul O’Connell, with Donnacha Ryan moving back.

With O’Donnell and O’Mahony both injured, it means that Paddy Butler partners Ryan and CJ Stander in the back row.

A bonus point win for Munster, and anything less than that for either the Ospreys or Glasgow would see them secure a home semi-final next weekend.

Munster:  Felix Jones; Keith Earls, Andrew Smith, Denis Hurley, Simon Zebo; Ian Keatley, Conor Murray; Dave Kilcoyne, Eusebio Guinazu, Stephen Archer; Donnacha Ryan, Paul O’Connell; Peter O’Mahony Capt., Tommy O’Donnell, CJ Stander.

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