McGahan puts faith in youth

With several players unavailable due to international commitment, Munster coach Tony McGahan has picked a youthful Munster side to play La Rochelle in the Stade Marcel Deflandre tonight.

With several players unavailable due to international commitments, Munster coach Tony McGahan has picked a youthful Munster side to play La Rochelle in the Stade Marcel Deflandre tonight.

Recent academy graduates Danny Barnes and Scott Deasy start at centre with Simon Zebo, Gerry Hurley Declan Cusack, Denis Hurley and Johne Murphy also lining out behind the pack.

Up front, Stephen Archer starts at prop alongside the more experienced Damien Varley and Wian du Preez.

Dave O’Callaghan, 21, will operate at blindside flanker. Tommy O'Donnell and James Coughlan complete the back row.

McGahan named his starting XV after the squad had trained this morning but did not list replacements because he intends using all of the squad that travelled tonight, with the exception of Duncan Williams, BJ Botha and Doug Howlett.

Williams is recovering from a slight groin strain, but is expected to be involved in the game next week against London Wasps, along with Howlett and Botha.

Munster: Johne Murphy; Denis Hurley, Danny Barnes, Scott Deasy, Simon Zebo; Declan Cusack, Gerry Hurley; Wian du Preez, Damien Varley, Stephen Archer; Billy Holland, Mick O'Driscoll; Dave O'Callaghan, Tommy O'Donnell, James Coughlan.