Munster and touring sides tend to spring up a bit of magic and they will hope that history repeats itself as they host Crusaders in a first ever 'Clash of Champions' at Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Here's all you need to know about Munster v Crusaders.
Munster defeated the DHL Stormers in the Grand Final of the URC while the Crusaders secured their 7th successive Super Rugby Title downing the Chiefs to set up this fixture in a clash between hemispheres. Both teams are in varying points in their respective seasons as Graham Rowntree's men are smack bang in the middle of their while the Crusaders are in their preseason.
They will take on Munster before travelling to Bristol to conclude their tour of the northern hemisphere. A largely second string squad has been chosen to travel while Munster who have struggled with injuries all season added Simon Zebo, John Hodnett and Paddy Patterson to the casualty list this week. The southern province will also be missing a number of key players due to the start of the Six Nations this weekend. Nonetheless, the match is set to be an intriguing contest with Munster returning to Páirc Uí Chaoimh for the first time since that famous win over South Africa A in November 2022.
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🗞️ SQUAD UPDATE | Catch-up with the latest from Munster camp ahead of Saturday's clash against Crusaders at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
Neil Cronin has signed a contract extension & @UCCRFC scrum-half Andrew O'Mahony has joined on a two-month deal.#MunsterInThePáirc #MUNvCRU #SUAF 🔴— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) January 30, 2024
When is Munster v Crusader
Munster v Crusaders will take place this Saturday 3rd of February in Páirc Uí Chaoimh with kick off at 5pm.
How To Watch Munster v Crusader
The game will be shown live on TG4 with coverage beginning at 4:30pm
Buaileann seaimpíní an URC agus Super Rugby le chéile ar @TG4TV💥
Join us this weekend on @Rugbai_BEO for the historic "Clash of the Champions"
📆 Dé Sathairn / Saturday
⏰ 16:30
🏉 @Munsterrugby v @crusadersrugby
🌎 Ar fáil worldwide on the TG4 Player & App
#MUNvCRU pic.twitter.com/lQu9gWyibD— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) January 30, 2024
Munster v Crusaders Team News
Both teams were named during the week. Alex Kendellen will captain aMunster side that will include debutes for Kamil Nowak and Colm Hogan.
Meanwhile, the Crusaders XV will feature the likes of Leigh Halfpenny and Owen Francis. Ryan Crotty - who broke Irish hearts at the Aviva stadium a decade ago - starts on the bench.
📢 TEAM NEWS | Here is your team for Munster v @CrusadersRugby at a sold-out Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday, in association with @Pinergy 😍
Alex Kendellen captains Munster for the 1st time with Kamil Nowak & Colm Hogan set for their debuts.#MUNvCRU #MunsterInThePáirc #SUAF 🔴— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) February 1, 2024
Bring on the Northern Tour. Bring on Munster. Bring on the noise. It’s game time. 😤🇮🇪
Read more: https://t.co/PtCWS1roGv pic.twitter.com/8rABm3JzCo— Crusaders (@crusadersrugby) February 1, 2024
