Sherry to skipper Munster against Scarlets

Mike Sherry will captain Munster for the first time in tomorrow night’s RaboDirect PRO12 meeting with Scarlets in Llanelli (6.30pm).

Mike Sherry will captain Munster for the first time in tomorrow night’s RaboDirect PRO12 meeting with Scarlets in Llanelli (kick off: 6.30pm).

The 24-year-old becomes one of the youngest players to lead the side following on from Peter O’Mahony who led the side in the opening games of the 2011/2012 campaign.

Sherry, who agreed a new two year contract last month, starts in Parc Y Scarlets tomorrow evening ahead of Damien Varley who was initially named in the match day squad but his spot on the replacements bench has gone to Sean Henry after Varley failed a late fitness test.

There are a number of changes in the Munster side with internationals Donncha O’Callaghan and Ronan O’Gara included which means a move to full back for Ian Keatley.

Ivan Dineen and JJ Hanrahan are the chosen centre pairing with Denis Hurley and Johne Murphy selected on the wings, Duncan Williams completes the backline at scrum-half.

Wian du Preez and BJ Botha join Sherry in the front row with Ian Nagle partnering O’Callaghan in the engine room.

CJ Stander who picked up his third Munster try against Edinburgh last weekend is joined by Tommy O’Donnell and Paddy Butler in a youthful back row.

Munster (v. Scarlets): I Keatley; D Hurley, I Dineen, JJ Hanrahan, J Murphy; R O’Gara, D Williams; W du Preez, M Sherry, BJ Botha; D O’Callaghan, I Nagle; CJ Stander, T O’Donnell, P Butler.

Replacements: D Varley, J Ryan, S Archer, B Holland, S Dougall, C Sheridan, D Barnes, C Laulala.