AS THE CRO FLIES
Reds semi-final worries eased over James as prop looks like winning his fitness battle
MUNSTER look set for a big boost ahead of their Champions Cup semi-final showdown with Racing 92 with loosehead prop James Cronin winning his fitness battle.
The 27-year-old went off with what looked a serious shoulder injury in the early stages of the win over the Southern Kings on Saturday.
And with Liam O’connor already out for the season, it would have left Munster thin on the ground for cover.
But Cronin’s injury is not as serious as initially feared and he could even be back for this Friday’s clash with the Cheetahs, although coach Johann van Graan (inset) may not risk him.
“He got a stinger on his shoulder which went into his neck but, luckily, nothing too serious.
“It may be uncomfortable movement especially for a prop but it is not as serious as feared on Saturday,” said van Graan
Simon Zebo and Darren Sweetnam, who both missed the 39-22 win over the Southern Kings in George, were also been assessed after training yesterday.
Zebo has a hip issue and Sweetnam is troubled by a minor hamstring problem and, like Cronin, a call will be made today on whether they will play on Friday. We will see how they are but we won’t take any risks. We have a big squad here with us so we have options,” added van
Graan.
The squad trained in warm sunshine yesterday in Cape Town, having returned there by bus on Sunday from George.
That journey took almost seven hours but that was nothing compared to the 55-hour nightmare journey Cadiff Blues, who are staying in the same hotel near the Waterfront in Cape Town with them, endured on their trip to Bloemfontein last weekend. The Munster squad will enjoy a rest day today with some of them heading off on safari and others taking in the sights of Cape Town.
Over 200 Munster supporters are enjoying the two-match tour while for the South Africa players in the squad it is a chance to catch up with family and friends.
Van Graan said that Friday’s clash at high altitude in Bloemfontein would be a huge examination for his men as they battle it out with the Cheetahs for home advantage in the quarter-finals.
“If I am not mistaken they have only lost once at home in the PRO14 this season and it will be a big test for us,” he added.