Following the bonus point winning exploits of last Friday night, this morning saw Munster begin preparations for the arrival of the Cheetahs to Thomond Park this Saturday in what will be their first competitive game against South African opposition.
Dan Goggin remains the only injury concern following the 34-3 win over Benetton Rugby. The centre is to undergo a scan today for the knee injury he sustained the in the second half and is expected to be sidelined for the foreseeable future.
Conor Oliver is another on the long term injury list having undergone surgery last week for the shoulder injury he picked up in preseason.
Following a scan on the ankle injury he sustained in preseason action against Worcester Warriors, Gerbrandt Grobler will meet with a specialist this week.
The weekend saw a return to action for long term rehabber Mike Sherry (back) who played his first PRO14 game since May 2016, with brace scorer Jean Kleyn (neck) and Robin Copeland (shoulder) also returning post-surgery.
Friday night also saw a Munster U20/Development side defeat their Ulster counterparts 29-21 at Thomond Park with David Johnston and the returning Kevin O’Byrne both featuring for the hosts, the latter crossing for a try. The academy’s Calvin Nash received a knock to the sternum and continues to be monitored by the medical team.
In looking ahead to Saturday evening’s clash with the Cheetahs at Thomond Park, a number of the internationals who featured for Ireland in their clean-sweep of wins in the USA and Japan this summer are expected to make their first appearances of the season this weekend. Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus will name his side for round 2 of the Guinness PRO14 at midday on Friday.
James Cronin (knee), JJ Hanrahan (shoulder), Sam Arnold (calf), Duncan Casey (groin), Ronan O’Mahony (fibula), Dave O’Callaghan (knee) and Darren O’Shea (shoulder) continue to follow their respective programmes.
News
Squad Update
4th September 2017
