Two silver linings to this cobalt cloud.
Munster do battle with Saracens at The Ricoh Arena this weekend, in the Champions Cup, and they need every soldier fit. Life doesn’t always flow so, however.
On Monday afternoon, following a press briefing at Munster headquarters, the province released the following fitness update:
‘Keith Earls will be reintegrated into training this week after being withdrawn as a precaution ahead of the victory over Cardiff Blues in Cork 10 days ago. Joey Carbery is highly unlikely to feature this Saturday due to a hamstring injury.
‘Fineen Wycherley was removed with right hamstring tightness during Friday night’s win over Benetton Rugby in Italy. He will be assessed by the medical department today and go for a scan to determine the extent of his injury.’
That is Wycherley and Carbery looking extremely doubtful but hope over Keith Earls’ participation. Hope too over Munster lock Jean Kleyn, who picked up a recent knock in the Guinness PRO14.
On the latest episode of Baz & Andrew’s House of Rugby, former Munster star Barry Murphy discussed the big selection calls with Andrew Trimble [from 46:00 below].
(Photo by Matt Browne/Sportsfile)“If Carbery misses out for Munster,” said Murphy, “as much as I thought JJ Hanrahan was class [against Treviso], I think Tyler Bleyendaal will start. Bleyendaal gives them that foundation that Munster often look for in the first half of their games. And then JJ to come off the bench with his magic feet.”
As for the other big call, in the back row, Murphy commented:
“Jack O’Donoghue or Chris Cloete is the other big decision they have to make. Two very different sevens but I would personally go with Jack… I’m a big fan of his. I love him as a player and I love the energy he brings, as a ball-carrier and he is a very effective back rower on the ground, and as a lineout option.
“Cloete is very aggressive and I’d say he is a pain in the ass to play against but, with the size of the Saracens lads – I think they are the biggest side in the Premiership – I think you need some big, abrasive players. The bigger players Munster have on the field, the better.”
The Munster XV, and travelling squad, will be announced on Friday afternoon before they set off for a mammoth game in Coventry.
