Jean Kleyn will make his long-awaited return from injury, with Thaakir Abrahams set to make his Vodacom URC debut for Munster against Connacht on Saturday.
Kleyn starts in the second row for the 2022-23 URC champions in their season opener at Thomond Park, while Abrahams will run out in the No 14 jumper.
The 31-year-old Kleyn played just one game off the bench for Munster last season after featuring for the Springboks in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final win over the All Blacks.
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The towering lock picked up an eye injury, which kept him out of all of South Africa’s Tests this year, including the double-header against Ireland — a team he earned five caps for during the 2019 World Cup.
Abrahams joined Munster from Lyon this season, having played only 12 games out of a potential 32 for the Top 14 strugglers last term.
Despite not enjoying the best season for the French outfit, the former Junior Springbok earned comparisons to two-time World Cup winner Cheslin Kolbe, with his ability to play on the wing and at fullback.
The 25-year-old scored six tries for Lyon, dotting down five times in the 2022-23 URC campaign for the Sharks.
Photo: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile via Getty Images
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
