JOEY CARBERY HAS likely played his last game for Munster, with the thumb injury he sustained against Ulster last Saturday expected to rule him out for the rest of the season.
The out-half was a first-half replacement for Rory Scannell in the win over Ulster, and played a central role as the province overturned a 10-point deficit to win 29-24 and secure top spot in the URC table.
However Carbery – who will leave the province and move to France this summer – suffered a thumb injury during the game which has ruled him out of Friday’s quarter-final meeting with Ospreys in Limerick.
And in a further blow, Munster defence coach Denis Leamy says the province don’t expect to have Carbery available should they reach the URC semi-finals or final – meaning the 28-year-old has likely played his last game for Munster.
“Yeah, unfortunately that’s what it looks like,” said Leamy, who added that both Rory Scannell (ankle) and Tom Ahern (ankle/leg) also won’t feature again this season.
“Unfortunately, it’s very unlikely any of the three you mentioned will be back.
“Three guys who have been really good for us in the last few months, but unfortunately, they’ve got significant injuries from the weekend. We’re possibly waiting to see if there’s something around Tom, but it’s unlikely that they’ll be back.
“Rory had a scan that confirmed there was a break on Saturday and he’s going for a further scan. So we’re just waiting for an update on that, but it is unfortunately a significant injury. We’re just looking for clarity around exactly what that is.”
Leamy said Ahern’s injury will also likely rule him out of any involvement in Ireland’s summer Tour to South Africa.
“My understanding is that there is another scan to be looked at in a couple of weeks, but he got a significant injury, and that’s very much in the balance I would say.”
In better news for the province, Antoine Frisch, Diarmuid Barron and Josh Wycherley all took part in training today.
Frisch missed the win over Ulster with a leg/groin problem but is expected to come back into contention for selection against Ospreys.
Hooker Barron hasn’t played since injuring his foot against Leinster on 26 December, while Wycherley hasn’t featured since April’s two-game trip to South Africa due to a facial injury.
“We trained today and all three came through the session and were looking pretty good. So we’ll just have a discussion around how we feel they’ve settled and obviously over the next 24 hours we’ll monitor them, but all three completed the session and were looking good.”
Interesting combination of locks and backrows for Australia with 5 guys who’s primary position is lock in the 23 and then Naisarani who’s 6’5 at 8. I guess that means Australia are looking at New Zealands issues from 1 through 6 and deciding that’s the best way to take them on.
@Eddie Hekenui: I have a feeling Australia will target the nz lineout. Having Savea at 6 reduces their lineout options(he adds massively at the bd and in the loose obviously) and with Australia loading up in that area I can see them trying to disrupt the nz lineout and use their own lineout and maul in attack. Be a fascinating watch how that particular area goes.
@Eddie Hekenui: good
@Eddie Hekenui: good
@Eddie Hekenui: good to see Luke Jones back in the mix. He was phenomenal when he broke through for the rebels a few years back. Exciting hybrid lock to watch.
@Ian Verdon: Yeah I’ve just seen the NZ team. Read is a good lineout operator so they’ll still have 3 options but not as strong as usual where they’ve had 4 and Retalick as banker ball. I’m just surprised Australia went with Latu ahead of Faingaa who was pretty lethal off the back of the Brumbies maul this season. Rodda had a strong season attacking opposition ball so I can see him trying to go after NZ ball. Lots of teams will be watching with interest to see if they can dominate in the set piece and how that affects the game because there are far stronger tight 5′s out there than Australia.
@Jim Demps: Yeah he’s an exciting player at his best but he’s been very up and done this year. I’d love to see him hit form again.
@Eddie Hekenui: yeah sure didn’t faingaa get into double figures this season in the try scoring column? I think all of which were at the back of the maul. Read is a very dependable lineout operator indeed, I think the lineout is certainly an area opposition teams will target. The Nz scrum isn’t the weapon it has been in the past yet by no means poor but SA in particular would be relishing that front 5 battle.
@Eddie Hekenui: If you’re going after the NZ lineout faingaa is not your man to play to hit those darts. Very wishy washy as was clearly evident against the jaguares in the super semis
@Liam Flague: He’s not perfect but he’s better than Latu and probably the best of a questionable bunch going on this seasons form. Brumbies had a strong lineout and a very dangerous maul with Faingaa being an important part of that. The last two times I’ve seen Latu play for Australia he’s fallen apart in the lineout. Against Wales in November they lost 4 or 5 lineouts and the last time he played NZ he lost 6 or 7 in 35 minutes.
I really like 11-15. Better centre pairing.
@Andrew H: it will be a great test to see where he’s at going toe to toe with one of the most in form and even at only 24 one of the best 13’s in the game. Can see goodhue using his power and exceptional running lines to ruffle O’Connor’s feathers.
NZ will stick to their usual strategy of pinning Aus in their half forcing them to run out.
Then scoring after with counter attacks from turnovers, while keeping the scoreboard ticking with penalties because of good defense. There is little Aus have in their arsenal to counter them, they will go down fighting like they always do.