URC team news: South African prop Dian Bleuler to make Munster ...

Bleuler was signed as short-term front row cover due to the amount of injuries Munster have in that area, although they have been boosted by the return of some key players from the treatment table.

This will be the first URC fixture since Graham Rowntree’s shock departure as head coach, with Costello stepping into the role while they recruit a permanent replacement.

Winger Thaakir Abrahams is back for his first appearance since September while centre Alex Nankivell is also fit to start after missing the last three games.

Alex Kendellen comes in at number seven into a formidable back row alongside Jack O’Donoghue and Gavin Coombes.

Meanwhile, Connacht have selected Argentine wing Santiago Cordero for Saturday’s clash with the Bulls at the Dexcom Stadium (5.30pm) after his return from November international duty.

Cordero lines up on the left wing in a team that sees nine changes from the 31-7 win over the Dragons before the international break.

Three come in the backline as Shane Jennings is in at fullback while Ben Murphy and Jack Carty start at nine and ten respectively.

In the pack, there is an all-new front row of Denis Buckley, Dave Heffernan and Jack Aungier, while there is also a fresh back row of Josh Murphy, Conor Oliver and Sean Jansen at number eight.

Munster: M Haley, S McCarthy, T Farrell, A Nankivell, T Abrahams, B Burns, E Coughlan, D Bleuler, D Barron, J Ryan, E O’Connell, F Wycherley, J O’Donoghue, A Kendellen, G Coombes.

Reps: N Scannell, K Ryan, S Archer, R Quinn, J Hodnett, P Patterson, T Butler, S Daly.

Connacht: S Jennings, S Bolton, P O’Conor, C Forde, S Cordero, J Carty, C Blade, D Buckley, D Heffernan, J Aungier, J Joyce, N Murray, J Murphy, C Oliver, S Jansen.

Reps: D Tierney-Martin, J Duggan, S Illo, D Murray, P Boyle, C Blade, D Hawkshaw, S Hurley-Langton.