Donncha O'Callaghan also makes the step up and starts next to Dave Foley in the second row while Paddy Butler marks his return from injury with a starting place in the back-row, joining Sean Dougall and James Coughlan who captains the squad for the second time this season.
Hanrahan is joined in the half-backs by Duncan Williams this week with Gerry Hurley named in the replacements for the first time this season. The Cork Con man is line to make a return to league action against the same opposition he last played exactly six years ago.
Ronan O'Mahony who scored the winning try in the 83rd minute last Saturday is named in the new look starting backline with Johne Murphy joining James Downey in the centre partnership for the first time this season.
Tickets will be on sale on match-day from 9am from the mobile ticket office at Hassett's Cross and from the West Stand ticket booth from 5.15pm. Ticket prices: Cat A Stand €40, Cat B Stand €30, Cat B Junior Stand €10, Terrace €20, Junior Terrace €7, Family Terrace Pack €40 (2 Adults and 2 Juniors). *Junior - Under 16 years
Munster: F Jones; K Earls, J Murphy, J Downey, R O'Mahony; JJ Hanrahan, D Williams; J Cronin, N Scannell, J Ryan; D O'Callaghan, D Foley; P Butler, S Dougall, J Coughlan Capt. Replacements: D Varley, A Cotter, S Archer, B Holland, CJ Stander, G Hurley, J Holland, D Hurley.
Munster Rugby Support Nominated Charities
Munster Rugby have nominated Friday night's game as this year's "Charity Match" in a bid to raise funds and awareness for our two nominated charities for season 2013/14, Mid West Spina Bifida and CUH Charity.
To support the initiative, supporters are being asked to purchase a match programme for €5 with €1 from each programme sale donated to help raise much needed funds for the charities.
At halftime, an exclusive, signed "Charity Match Munster Jersey" will be presented to representatives of each of the charities.
Mid West Spina Bifida will also be selling the bands, embossed with "Munster Rocks", on Friday night at Thomond Park and they are asking all supporters to row in and purchase a band for €2 in order to help raise much needed funds for the charity. Bands will be sold prior to, during, and after the match and sellers will be wearing red tee shirts with MUNSTER ROCKS! on the front.
63x46.png){kind=logo}