Graham Rowntree vented his frustration as Munster’s injury concerns mounted during their 22-9 URC loss to Connacht.
Having come into the game minus a number of key performers, Munster’s luckless run with injuries continued when two of their players were stretchered off in the first half.
Injuries to Edwin Edogbo, Diarmuid Barron, Dave Kilcoyne, Alex Nankivell, Eoghan Clarke, Fineen Wycherley and Peter O’Mahony, to name but a few, had Munster on the back-foot going into the game but they were even more depleted by the end of a wintry night at the Sportsground.
First, their new recruit Oli Jager sustained a nasty ‘head injury,’ and things turned from bad to worse when back-row Jack O’Donoghue twisted his knee after a collision.
The injuries left a sour taste for Munster head coach Rowntree, who felt O’Donoghue in particular was the victim of a ‘horrible side entry,’ by Connacht back Byron Ralston.
“They’re not in a great state,” said Rowntree regarding his wounded players after the game.
“Oli sustained a head injury from a strange looking tackle that was apparently checked (by the TMO).”
“And then Jack O’Donoghue got cleared out, a horrible side entry and his knee got twisted. It’s not great if I’m honest with you.”
“Two injuries we didn’t need. They didn’t look great in my opinion, but it’s not why we lost the game,” added the former England player.
Inspired by the brilliance of player-of-the-match Cian Prendergast, and the kicking of JJ Hanrahan, Connacht went onto record their first win since mid November.
“We lost the game because we lost control of it, particularly in the last 10 minutes, where we were starved of field position,” added Rowntree.
“We’ve had injuries but we’ve got guys who have been able to train with us every day.
“Our training is set up for a next man up mentality.
“It didn’t help losing those two guys today, I’m not going to lie. They were significant performers for us.”
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