Just when Leinster need their big-name players to be hitting peak more, too many are hitting the treatment table.
If you are a Blues fan, the good news is Rob Kearney, Isa Nacewa, Johnny Sexton, Jack McGrath and Jamie Heaslip will all feature in Saturday afternoon’s game against Benetton Treviso.
The bad news is surely the heap of senior players missing.
Luke Fitzgerald [knee] and Ian Madigan [hamstring] are both missing but the province hope they will return for the semi-finals. Whether they are home or away depends on Leinster putting one, or 31, over Treviso at the RDS.
Fitzgerald missed the Six Nations with a knee injury so to see that ailment connected with the versatile back is a worry.
Luke Fitzgerald has taken his latest Six Nations disappointment like a champ https://t.co/XxOc3TBb0N
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) February 2, 2016
Adding to the fretful nature surrounding Leinster is the fact that IRUPA Young Player of the Year Josh van der Flier is also out of action. The flanker damaged his ankle in the 30-6 loss to Ulster and is another more hopeful than certain to return this season.
Sean O’Brien’s league campaign looks to be at an end, however. ‘The Tullow Tank’ tore his hamstring in Ireland’s defeat to France and his comeback has been a slow one. Leinster boss Leo Cullen broke it to us today:
LC: "Sean O'Brien's injury is quite complicated. We'll have a further update next week." #LEINvTREV
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) May 6, 2016
Cullen did not rule O’Brien out just yet but Leinster, with consultation from the IRFU, are expected to err on the side of caution.
What are your thoughts on the team for #LEINvTREV? #GUINNESSPRO12 pic.twitter.com/XuxoJuOxUV
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) May 6, 2016
Elsewhere, Munster have named an unchanged squad for their regular season finalé against Scarlets, at Thomond Park.
Anthony Foley’s men need to beat the Welsh side to secure Champions Cup rugby next season. Ulster are already secure in Europe and away win over Ospreys will get them into the last four. Les Kiss welcomes back Craig Gilroy for that clash.
Connacht, meanwhile, welcome back Bundee Aki, Matt Healy, John Muldoon and Craig Ronaldson, and hand out 100th caps to Tiernan O’Halloran and Kieran Marmion.
“When I first arrived at The Sportsground, I thought 'Oh… a dog track'.” https://t.co/3DGhSMGaXv
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) May 6, 2016
Pat Lam’s men can ensure a home semi-final by beating last year’s PRO12 champions Glasgow Warriors at The Sportsground.
All matches take place at 3pm on Saturday.
