When it rains, it very often pours.
Connacht’s goal-kicking department has been decimated ahead of this weekend’s visit of wasps to Galway.
For Marnitz Boshoff, this represents the good times at Connacht:
The South African arrived three months into the season after finishing out the Lions’ 2016 Super Rugby campaign. He played in Guinness PRO12 victories over Cardiff and Treviso but he will now be sidelined until well into 2017.
Boshoff injured his shoulder in the bonus point win over the Italians and is not expected back until February 2017.
Connacht outhalf Marnitz Boshoff out for 3 months. Jack Carty last outhalf standing. Lam to meet CEO re possibility of bringing in a 10.
— Sinéad Kissane (@sineadkissane) December 13, 2016
With Craig Ronaldson out until January, Connacht are now left with Jack Carty as the only fit, senior outhalf. Carty’s general play has been decent but his kicking off the tee has been erratic and he missed some vital efforts against Wasps at the Ricoh Arena.
John Cooney has taken up goal-kicking duties in PRO12 fixtures but Pat Lam would be forced to drop Kieran Marmion to the bench to accommodate that. Shane O’Leary has goal-kicking experience but is also injured.
Lam is set to speak with Connacht chief executive Willie Ruane to explore the possibilities of drafting in another outhalf on a short-term contract. He would have no luck in approaching Leinster as they are going through their own outhalf injury crisis.
Perhaps they could turn to Bundee Aki…
