Munster sweat over Bok lock
Today at 05:19 AM
Munster are set to receive a backline boost with the return of a South African speedster, but will be without Springbok lock Jean Kleyn for the Vodacom URC clash with the Lions.
Saturday’s match with the fourth-placed Lions will be a first Vodacom URC game in charge for interim head coach Ian Costello, following Graeme Rowntree’s shock exit before the international break.
This week, Munster reported a generally positive injury update, as the 2023 champions look set to tackle the Lions with a bolstered backline.
Former Sharks winger Thaakir Abrahams has recovered from a thigh injury and joined centre Alex Nankivell (hip) and fellow outside backs Liam Coombes and Shane Daly in coming through a training session on Tuesday.
The backline quartet will have their availability for Saturday’s match assessed through the week.
However, Munster still have something of an injury crisis in their pack, with Bok lock Kleyn among a plethora of forwards in the medical bay.
Kleyn was a late withdrawal from the Bok team to face Wales in Cardiff. Munster have confirmed that the World Cup winner owes his absence to a neck injury suffered in training with the Boks and will be undergoing a scan for an accurate prognosis.
Front rowers Dave Kilcoyne, Jeremy Loughman, Josh Wycherley and Mark Donnelly are also all injured. This has led Munster to bringing South African prop Dian Bleuler on board as an emergency signing from the Sharks.
Photo: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images
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