Rugby

Ian Keatley returns for Munster to face Cardiff Blues

Leinster retain six starters from team that sealed European progression against Quins

Ian Keatley has been named in the Munster side to play Cardiff Clues in the Pro 12 tomorrow evening. (Photograph: INPHO/Marcus Sheridan)

Fri Feb 13 2015 - 13:33

Ian Keatley returns to the Munster team for tomorrow's Pro 12 fixture against Cardiff Blues at the newly developed Musgrave Park.

Keatley, fresh from a faultless goal-kicking performance in Ireland's 26-3 victory over Italy in Rome last weekend, starts at outhalf in a strong back line which includes Keith Earls in the midfield.

Earls' midfield partner Andrew Conway will captain Anthony Foley's side, while academy graduate Jack O'Donoghue makes his first Pro 12 start for the province at number eight.

Meanwhile Leinster boss Matt O'Connor has been able to retain six players who started in last month's European Champions Cup draw away at Wasps for tomorrow's visit of Newport Gwent Dragons at the RDS.

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Fergus McFadden returns to action following a rib injury he picked dup during Ireland Wolfhounds 18-9 defeat to the England Saxons, starting on the wing.

He's joined in the back three by Dave Kearney, who makes his return following a shoulder injury he sustained in the game against Wasps.

Teams:

Munster v Cardiff Blues, Saturday February 14th at Musgrave Park - KO: 7:35pm.

Munster: JJ Hanrahan; Andrew Conway, Keith Earls, Denis Hurley (c), Ronan O'Mahony; Ian Keatley, Duncan Williams; John Ryan, Eusebio Guinazu, BJ Botha; Donncha O'Callaghan, Billy Holland; Sean Dougall, Dave O'Callaghan, Jack O'Donoghue.

Replacements: Niall Scannell, Dave Kilcoyne, Stephen Archer, Shane Buckley, Paddy Butler, Neil Cronin, Rory Scannell, Ivan Dineen.

Cardiff Blues: Joaquin Tuculet, Richard Smith, Cory Allen, Gavin Evans, Lucas Amorosino, Rhys Patchell, Lloyd Williams; Sam Hobbs, Matthew Rees (c), Adam Jones, Macauley Cook, Filo Paulo, Josh Turnbull, Josh Navidi, Manoa Vosawai

Leinster v Newport Gwent Dragons, Saturday February 14th at the RDS - KO: 3.00pm

Leinster: Dave Kearney, Fergus McFadden, Ben Te'o, Noel Reid, Darragh Fanning, Jimmy Gopperth, Luke McGrath, Michael Bent, Richardt Strauss, Tadhg Furlong, Tom Denton, Kane Douglas, Dominic Ryan, Shane Jennings (c), Jack Conan

Replacements: Aaron Dundon, Peter Dooley, Jamie Hagan, Mike McCarthy, Josh Van Der Flier, John Cooney, Cathal Marsh, Luke Fitzgerald

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