Ulster, Leinster, and Munster have announced their team selections for this weekend's United Rugby Championship fixtures, with several key players returning from injury and others making provincial debuts.
Ulster welcome back Hume and Herring for Stormers clash
Ulster head coach Richie Murphy has named centre James Hume and hooker Rob Herring in the starting lineup for Saturday's match against the Stormers in Cape Town (12:45 GMT). Both players make their first appearances of the season after recovering from injuries that kept them out since the end of last season. Murphy's side, still searching for a first league win after two losses and two draws, will be without eight players who are on international duty with Ireland for the upcoming Nations Championship, while wing Robert Baloucoune is also unavailable. Flanker David McCann captains the team, and former Stormers forward Juarno Augustus starts at number eight.
Leinster ring the changes for Connacht derby
After defeating Munster in Dublin last weekend, Leinster travel to face Connacht on Friday night (19:45 GMT) with a heavily rotated squad. Fly-half Joey Carbery is the only player retained from the starting XV that won at the Aviva Stadium. Leo Cullen has selected an entirely new pack, with back-row Max Deegan named captain. Experienced wing Jordan Larmour returns from injury, and centre Connor Fahy will make his provincial debut. Prop Alex Mullan could also debut off the bench. Connacht have made 12 changes from their win over Zebre, retaining only captain Paul Boyle, prop Finlay Bealham, and centre Cathal Forde among the starters as eight players join the Ireland camp.
Russell set for Munster debut against Sharks
Munster are the least affected by international call-ups, with only Tadhg Beirne and Craig Casey required by Ireland. For Saturday's home game against the Sharks (17:30 GMT), head coach Clayton McMillan makes seven changes. Former Leinster winger Rob Russell will make his Munster debut in place of the injured Shane Daly, while centre Gordon Wood earns his first provincial start. Ben O'Donovan replaces Casey at scrum-half, and JJ Hanrahan takes over at fly-half from Charlie O'Shea. Forwards Edwin Edogbo and Lee Barron are in line for their first appearances of the season from the bench.
