Munster’s JJ Hanrahan utilised at full-back for tonight’s clash against Cardiff

With Ian Keatley back in the frame after his international exploits in Rome, JJ Hanrahan is again being utilised at full-back for tonight’s Guinness Pro 12 clash with Cardiff Blues at Musgrave Park (7.35 pm).

However, Hanrahan’s departure to Northampton Saints at the end of the season did not influence the decision to pass him over at number 10.

“No it’s a balance,” said assistant coach Brian Walsh: “Look, we played JJ in different positions during the year because of his football ability. Keats, I suppose, we have stuck by him, because he deserved the games he played and that helped him win his first Six Nations cap and good for him.

“We have to look at what is the best for the squad going forward, but we have to get results over the next number of weeks and get that balance right.”

It’s a big night for Munster veteran Denis Hurley, who captains the side for the first time in his 145th appearance. Hurley lines out in the centre alongside Keith Earls, whose availability will be a big boost to head coach Anthony Foley.

If that duo provide a huge level of experience for Munster, Foley has handed talented youngster Jack O’Donoghue his first start and he joins Sean Dougall and Dave O’Callaghan in the back row. O’Donoghue penned a three year deal in January which will see him advance to development status for season 2015/16 and full contract status from 2016/17.

In the front row John Ryan and BJ Botha start on either side of Eusebio Guinazu. Botha is set to make his 90th appearance in the red shirt while the versatile Guinazu makes his first hooker start.

After successfully overcoming a knee injury sustained against Clermont Auvergne in December, Dave Kilcoyne is named amongst the replacements, as are academy centre Rory Scannell and Garryowen scrum-half Neil Cronin.

Walsh is also looking forward to seeing how Munster cope with the Musgrave Park pitch for the first time this season and says it provides an opportunity for several players to make a mark in the absence of the international contingent.

“We are looking forward to playing here with a squad that has been together for the last couple of weeks. A lot of guys in that group will be looking to stake a place in the team in the latter stages of the league so there is an awful lot at stake here.”

Cardiff’s Director of Rugby Mark Hammett makes a total of eight changes to the team that started the last Guinness PRO12 game against Leinster.

And of the visit to Cork, Hammett said: “We’re looking forward to returning to the Guinness PRO12 as we start a big month of fixtures in a bid to move up the table (from ninth). We’ve played really well at times this season without always getting the results. We now need to start getting some victories on the board.”

“We welcome back a number of players who have been able to have a break for rest and recovery during the cup (LV) window and we look forward to seeing the benefit of that spell when we play in Ireland.”

MUNSTER: JJ Hanrahan; A Conway, K Earls, D Hurley (captain), R O’Mahony; I Keatley, D Williams; J Ryan, E Guinazu, BJ Botha; D O’Callaghan, B Holland; S Dougall, D O’Callaghan, J O’Donoghue.

Replacements: N Scannell, D Kilcoyne, S Archer, S Buckley, P Butler, N Cronin, R Scannell, I Dineen.

CARDIFF BLUES: J Tuculet, R Smith, C Allen, G Evans. L Amorosino, R Patchell, L Williams, S Hobbs, M Rees (captain), A Jones, M Cook, F Paulo, J Turnbull, J Navidi, M Vosawai.

Replacements: K Dacey, T Davies, T Filise, M Normandale, E Jenkins, T Knoyle, G Davies, T Isaacs.