CONNACHT COACH PAT Lam looks set to be without his top three locks as his side attempt to claim a top six place in the Pro12 and with it safe passage to next season’s Champions Cup.
Leinster-bound Mick Kearney has played his last game for the province as he is to undergo surgery on his toe today and will require four months to recover fully.
Quinn Roux is also set to go under the knife after suffering a ‘high ankle sprain’ (or syndesmosis) in the defeat to Ulster. The South African second row, who has greatly impressed since moving across the Shannon from Leinster, is expected to need two months for recovery, but will be fit for Connacht’s pre-season. Meanwhile, the most senior of all Pro12 players, Michael Swift remains on the unavailable list 10 weeks after a fractured leg.
As if the loss of such experience from the engine room wasn’t bad enough, Nathan White will need eight weeks to recuperate after he undergoes corrective surgery on a disc problem in his lower back.
Outside of the pack, Craig Ronaldson has been diagnosed with a grade 2 tear in his quad muscle and the four-week recovery timeframe completes a quartet of players ruled out for the season by the western province today.
Here are the 13 players unavailable to Lam as they face the punishing business end of the season which starts with leaders Glasgow Warriors at the Sportsground:
Jason Harris-Wright, Sean Henry, Nathan White, Michael Swift, Mick Kearney, Quinn Roux, Mata Fifita, Willie Faloon, Jake Heenan, Craig Ronaldson, Conor Finn, Dave McSharry, Mils Muliaina.
Just spoke to Keith Barry and according to him Georgia will pull off a shock win at the Aviva!…
Hmmm…Rugby World Cup 2007, Ireland 14 Georgia 10, Georgia were leading 10-7 until Dempsey’s lucky try in the 55th minute? Remember that? Arrogant, disrespectful, complacent article. No international rugby team and no international test game should be taken for granted like this.
Derek, well said. Every team can be beaten.
Please media don’t turn irish rugby into England circa 2003 or Wales since then, media hyped so much everyone wants you to fail because you look arrogant.
Hmm…think I’m up for Georgia now…. Very arrogant article.
Not a fan of these kinda aricles Will..
..reeks of arrogance
Remember ESPN did something similar for the US Ryder Cup team when Europe looked down and out on final day 2 years ago..
Plus, how Galway only 25/1?! Should be double that
Considering the uproar about Bok TV’s scheduled add on Monday about beating Ireland, this a bit embarrassing.
This Ireland team are cute enough now to play their own game regardless of opposition & despite what bookies/journos say. Bookies weren’t too hot last week with the South Africa odds!
You can get about 75/1 at Betfair. Interestingly, a draw between Germany and Gibraltar is trading at around 150/1.
Mayo for sam