Munster host the Sharks at Thomond Park in Limerick on Saturday in Round 5 of the United Rugby Championship. Both sides enter the match with mixed early-season results, while the Sharks will be seeking to build on their victory over Cardiff.
Munster v Sharks, Saturday 31st October, Thomond Park, Limerick, kick-off 19:30 SAST
Referee: Ben Connor (Wales, 9th league game)
Assistant Referees: Peter Martin (Ireland), Kevin Beakey (Ireland)
TMO: Aled Griffiths (Wales)
Weather Forecast – Limerick
Munster
Munster are ninth on the URC table with 10 points from four matches. Their record is one win, one draw and two defeats, with 90 points scored and 98 conceded.
In Round 3 they drew 26–26 away to Ulster, a result which underlined their competitiveness but also their difficulty in closing out tight matches.
Last weekend Munster lost 24–18 away to Leinster, leaving them with work to do to climb into the playoff positions.
They return to Thomond Park for this fixture, where home advantage and the expected conditions may be important.
The proximity of the November international window makes selection particularly relevant.
Sharks
The Sharks are fifth in the standings with 15 points after four matches, recording three wins and one defeat. They have scored 125 points and conceded 104.
They won 36–21 away to Cardiff in Round 4, recovering from their 39–22 defeat to the Stormers in Round 3.
The Cardiff result was an encouraging response and leaves the Durban side well placed near the top of the table.
This is another demanding away assignment, especially if Springbok availability limits their selection options.
The Sharks will aim to improve their consistency across the full 80 minutes.
Previous head-to-head results (URC and Champions Cup)
21 March 2026: SHARKS 45–0 Munster (Durban)
31 May 2025: Sharks 24–24 Munster (Durban; Sharks won the subsequent kicking shootout)
26 October 2024: SHARKS 41–24 Munster (Durban)
21 October 2023: MUNSTER 34–21 Sharks (Limerick)
22 April 2023: Sharks 22–22 Munster (Durban)
1 April 2023: SHARKS 50–35 Munster (Durban – Champions Cup)
25 September 2021: MUNSTER 42–17 Sharks (Limerick)
Munster won both meetings in Limerick, while there have been 2 draws in Durban.
Team news
Final matchday selections are still to be confirmed. Munster may have to manage Ireland international availability ahead of the November fixtures.
The Sharks could likewise be affected by Springbok call-ups and player management.
Teams.
Munster: 15 Ben O’Connor, 14 Shay McCarthy, 13 Gordon Wood, 12 Alex Nankivell, 11 Rob Russell, 10 JJ Hanrahan, 9 Ben O’Donovan, 8 Brian Gleeson, 7 Jack O’Donoghue (captain), 6 Seán Edogbo, 5 Fineen Wycherley, 4 Ewan O’Connell, 3 Kieran Brookes, 2 Marnus van der Merwe, 1 Josh Wycherley.
Replacements: 16 Lee Barron, 17 Jeremy Loughman, 18 Michael Ala’alatoa, 19 Edwin Edogbo, 20 Gavin Coombes, 21 Jake O’Riordan, 22 Charlie O’Shea, 23 Alex Kendellen.
Sharks: 15 Zekhethelo Siyaya, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 12 Ethan Hooker, 11 Jaco Williams, 10 Gianni Lombard, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Nick Hatton (c), 7 Manu Tshituka, 6 Matt Romao, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Ethan Bester, 1 Ox Nché.
Replacements: 16 Esethu Mnebelele, 17 Cameron Dawson, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Stephan Lewies, 20 Vincent Tshituka, 21 Ivan van Zyl, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Litelihle Bester
The Betting
As at 29 October at WSB
Munster -2.5 points at 1.87
Sharks +2.5 points at 1.93
Bet: To Follow
Odds quoted were available at the time of writing but are subject to change.
All our URC bets and motivations will be posted in the Round 5 betting blog.
See what other punters fancy and have your say in the Goodforthegame Rugby Forum thread.
Disclaimer: Odds are subject to change. Please gamble responsibly. No bet is guaranteed to win. Please only bet what you can afford to lose.