Munster team to play South Africa A: Jack O'Donoghue to captain Reds as side named for Páirc Uí Chaoimh clash

Jack O'Donoghue will skipper Munster in their sold-out clash with South Africa A at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Thursday night (7.30pm).

Gavin Coombes, who was released from the Ireland squad at the start of the week, is named in the back row alongside O'Donoghue and John Hodnett as the Reds prepare to face a touring side featuring 14 capped Springboks.

Coombes, along with two more starts in Diarmuid Barron and Shane Daly, played for Ireland A against the All Blacks XV last Friday.

READ MORE: 'Enjoy yourself' message from fiancée Beth was trigger for Kieran Treadwell to make Ireland return

Reds boss Graham Rowntree has made seven changes to the side from the defeat to Ulster in their last game as the province hopes to perform in front of the 41,400 attendance, a record crowd for a rugby game in Munster.

Only two Reds remain from the side that played the Maori All Blacks in 2016 - brothers Rory and Niall Scannell. Rory starts at centre while hooker Niall is on the bench after completing return to play protocols.

Munster Defence Coach Denis Leamy with Simon Zebo (©INPHO/Ben Brady)

Rowntree has included three Greencore Munster Rugby Academy players in his squad, with lock Edwin Edogbo retaining his place in the second row with Cian Hurley and Patrick Campbell among the replacements.

Kiran McDonald and Antoine Frisch make their first appearances for the province. McDonald partners Edogbo after joining on a short-term deal last month.

Frisch has recovered from a calf injury suffered on the Emerging Ireland tour to South Africa and partners Rory Scannell in midfield.

Simon Zebo, Ben Healy, Josh Wycherley and Roman Salanoa also come into the line-up.

Munster: Mike Haley, Shane Daly, Antoine Frisch, Rory Scannell, Simon Zebo, Ben Healy, Paddy Patterson; Josh Wycherley, Diarmuid Barron, Roman Salanoa, Edwin Edogbo, Kiran McDonald, Jack O’Donoghue (C), John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes.

Replacements: Niall Scannell, Liam O’Connor, Keynan Knox, Cian Hurley, Alex Kendellen, Neil Cronin, Patrick Campbell, Malakai Fekitoa.

READ NEXT:

• Exclusive: Pat Gilroy linked to role with Dublin footballers for 2023

• Conor McGregor says he 'would love' to purchase Liverpool

• Michael O'Leary-sponsored Cheltenham Festival race to be named in honour of the late Jack de Bromhead

• Katie Taylor offered Croke Park fight on St Patrick's Day

• The Irish billionaires who could afford to buy Liverpool FC

Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts