HOME IS WHERE THE HURT IS
Hanrahan: Irish derby clashes mean much more than others KINGSPAN STADIUM, NEW YEAR’S DAY 5.35PM
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The Kerry native spent two years with Northampton and said that their derby clash with Leicester Tigers reminded him of playing big games at Thomond Park. But the 25-year old believes that the Irish derby games have an extra edge because the players know each other so well.
He said: “Welford Road is a funny one. I said after playing the Welford Road game for Northampton, it felt like I was in Thomond Park again. It was the closest feeling I got to feeling like Thomond Park.
“For me, being over there, you can feel the intensity, but here in Ireland it does be that bit more personal because you know the guys a lot better and that is the main difference.”
On New Year’s Day, Hanrahan will be aiming to help Munster get back on track.
He has been handed just his fourth start of the season as Johann van Graan (inset) tries to respond to the surprise 34-24 loss to an understrength Leinster side at Thomond Park on St Stephen’s Day.
The South African coach has retained just four of the starting team for the trip to Belfast as player management protocols kick in.
Alex Wootton and former Ulster centre Sammy Arnold are the only backs to retain their places, while there is a big boost for Munster with Keith Earls returning.
He had been out through a hamstring injury since the start of the November internationals and was due to return against Leinster.
But having been forced to cry off with a stomach bug, the Limerick man will make his return at Kingspan Stadium.
Academy product Calvin Nash will make his first start of the season on the right wing as van Graan gets an opportunity to see a lot of players in action for the first time.
Hanrahan will partner Duncan Williams at half-back and with Ian Keatley and Conor Murray rested, Bill Johnston and James Hart provide cover on the bench.
Skipper Billy Holland and flanker Tommy O’donnell, who made a good return from injury against Leinster, are the only two forwards retained.
The new front row of loosehead James Cronin, hooker Niall Scannell and tighthead John Ryan will aim to advance their Six Nations hopes.
On the bench, winger Ronan O’mahony makes a welcome return since fracturing his fibula against Treviso back in April, while former Leinster man Jeremy Loughman will hope to make his Munster debut.
S Zebo; C Nash, K Earls, S Arnold, A Wootton; JJ Hanrahan, D Williams; J Cronin, N Scannell, J Ryan; D O’shea, B Holland (c); T O’donnell, C Cloete, J O’donoghue. Replacements: K O’byrne, J Loughman, S Archer, F Wycherley, R Copeland, J Hart, B Johnston, R O’mahony.