RED- DY FOR NEW SEASON
MUNSTER coach Johann van Graan expects the new United Rugby Championship to be a battleground every week of the season.
So it’s no surprise that he’s drafted in Simon Zebo and World Cup winner RG Snyman at the first available opportunity.
Snyman’s availability after being out for over a year is a huge boost as they face a Sharks team at Thomond Park who have arrived on the back of a competitive Currie Cup campaign.
“They are a very proud South African franchise. They have had a really good season,” said Van Graan.
“They, along with the Bulls, have playedyed in the last two Currie Cup finals, both were unfortunately away for them. They are very tough to beat at home, specifically in the humid conditions of Durban. They have put together a very good squad.
“They have an excellent head coach in Sean Everitt, they have structurally got a very good programme if you look at the Sharks’ youth academy.
Players
“They have some proper players and am really looking forward to meeting them first up in what will be a first game up north for them as well. A lot of respect from my side towards them.”
Van Graan has kept Mike Haley at full- back, with Zebo starting on the left wing and Andrew Conway on the other flank.
Snyman, injured eight minutes into his debut against Leinster in August last year, will make his second appearance off the bench.
Scrum- half Rowan Osborne, signed from Leinster in the summer, is set for his debut off the bench with Craig Casey partnering Joey Carbery in the absence of Lion Conor Murray.
Van Graan has gone with as strong a side as