European Cup: Kidney waits on injured trio

Munster coach Declan Kidney has announced a virtually full-strength squad for this weekend’s Heineken Cup semi-final against Stade Francais in Lille.

Munster coach Declan Kidney has announced a virtually full-strength squad for this weekend’s Heineken Cup semi-final against Stade Francais in Lille.

Kidney revealed that doubts remain over three key players - John Kelly, who has a hamstring injury, Dominic Crotty (bruised ribs) and scrum-half Peter Stringer.

Kidney will name his team at the Stade Metropole in Lille on Friday, when the Munster management will have a better idea as to the fitness of their injury concerns.

The coach said: ‘‘Peter Stringer and Dominic Crotty have a 60-40 chance of starting the game and David Wallace’s chances have now increased to 50-50. He was extremely doubtful earlier in the week but he has made an excellent recovery.’’

A decision on the fitness of John Kelly will be made today and, should the winger fail to come through, Kidney announced that Cork Constitution’s Conor Mahoney would join the squad flying out to the south of France.

‘‘I am still concerned about the pace of our players due to the long lay-off and the lack of match practice,’’ said Kidney.

‘‘We were caught a couple of times by the Irish selection last week in Thomond Park, but we have worked on this all week because we are very much aware of the danger this would pose against a team of the calibre of Stade Francais.’’

Munster squad: J Hayes, P Clohessy, M Horan, F Sheahan, J Blaney, M Galwey, J Langford, M O’Driscoll, D O’Callaghan, D O’Cuinneagain, D Wallace, C McMahon, A Foley, T Tierney, P Stringer, R O’Gara, J Staunton, J Holland, M Mullins, J Kelly, J O’Neill, A Horgan, D Crotty.

more courts articles

Man admits killing Irish pensioner (87) on mobility scooter in London Man admits killing Irish pensioner (87) on mobility scooter in London
Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at court to face sex charges Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at court to face sex charges
Case against Jeffrey Donaldson to be heard in court Case against Jeffrey Donaldson to be heard in court

More in this section

Conor Oliver 16/4/2024 Conor Oliver: 'The Munster game is always on my calendar. It’s a fun one for me'
Munster Rugby Squad Training Leamy eager for Munster to embrace challenge of continuing unbeaten run
Jack Kelleher celebrates after the game 28/4/2024 Cork Con's Jack Kelleher, Railway Union's Lindsay Peat named AIL Players of the Year
Sport Push Notifications

By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser.

Sign Up
Sport
Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited