Toulon v Munster in the Champions Cup looks like it could be a must win clash for the province.
Their campaign has started terribly - with a draw and a loss - and their only saving grace is that qualification to the round-of-16 is very forgiving, with four teams from their pool of six making it through.
They lie fifth in Pool 3 on three points, level with Bayonne and a point ahead of last place Toulon.
Despite having to travel to the Stade Felix Mayol, the French side will be focusing more on the Top 14 this season, while Munster welcome the timely return of some key players.
When Is Toulon v Munster ?
Toulon v Munster will take place on Saturday, January 13 (kick-off: 3.15pm).
How To Watch Toulon v Munster ?
The game is available on TNT Sports with coverage starting at 12:15.
Munster Team News
Munster are in the midst of an unprecedented injury crisis at the moment, but it is a testament to their strength in depth that they are still able to name a starting XV of such quality.
Helping, of course, is the return of captain and talisman Peter O'Mahony for his first game since facing the Stormers in November.
The in-form Alex Nankivell is also back after a brief lay-off, and he will be hoping the excellent partnership he as formed with Antoine Frisch will continue to deliver the goods.
READ HERE: Munster Injury List Could Spell Disaster For Their Season
Very timely is the return of Niall Scannell at hooker, after the blow of losing Diarmuid Barron, who has been forced to undergo foot surgery.
Tom Ahern will move back to the second row - to accommodate to the returning O'Mahony - despite his blistering form at blindside flanker this season.
Last year's Ireland U20s star Brian Gleeson makes the bench, as he continues to rack up an impressive amount of experience for one so young.
📢 TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT | Here is your Munster side to face RC Toulon in France tomorrow afternoon 💪
Peter O'Mahony, Niall Scannell & Alex Nankivell all return from injury to start with Joey Carbery also back & among the replacements.#RCTvMUN #InvestecChampionsCup #SUAF 🔴
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) January 12, 2024
Toulon Team News
Toulon make eight changes to the side that recently loss to Montpellier in the Top 14.
Welsh great Dan Biggar comes back into the side, as does Fiji's Waisea Nayacalevu, while international stars Facundo Isa, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Ben White, and Melvyn Jaminet keep their place.
England international David Ribbans, who arrived from Northampton Saints this season, captains the side.
⚔ 𝐋𝐀 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐎 ⚔
🫡 Capt'ain Ribbans
🔥 Brookes enchaine
💥 La paire Paia'aua-Nayacalevu de retour@spvie vous présente les 2️⃣3️⃣ 🔴&⚫ pour cette troisième journée de @ChampionsCup face au @Munsterrugby !#ParceQueToulon #RCTMUN pic.twitter.com/7QBVLkY4BP— RCT - RC Toulon (@RCTofficiel) January 12, 2024
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