Cronin’s availability gives Reds huge lift
MUNSTER MAKING A SPLASH ON TOUR IN SOUTH AFRICA
MUNSTER look set for a big boost ahead of their Champions Cup semifinal showdown on Sunday week with loosehead prop James Cronin winning his battle with injury.
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 short on cover for the position.
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 may not risk him.
‘He got a stinger on his shoulder which went into his neck but, luckily, nothing too serious,’ said Van Graan.
‘It may be uncomfortable movement especially for a prop but it is not as serious as feared on Saturday.’
Simon Zebo and Darren Sweetnam, who both missed the 39-22 win over the Southern Kings in George, were also 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 trip that Cardiff Blues, who are staying in the same hotel near the Waterfront in Cape Town, 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 South African players in the squad have had a chance to catch up with family and friends.
Van Graan insists Friday’s clash at high altitude in Bloemfontein will be a huge examination of 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 on Friday evening,’ he added.
Munster have also announced that hooker Mike Sherry and prop Jeremy Loughman have signed contract extensions.
Sherry has played 99 times for the province since his debut in 2009, winning one cap for Ireland against the US in 2013, but the 29year-old’s career has been disrupted by injury.
The hooker’s one-year deal will keep him on the books until the end of next season while Loughman, who joined Munster from Leinster on a three-month deal, has had his development contract extended until the end of this season.
Van Graan has also invited Bulls centre Dries Swanepoel to join the touring party in Cape Town this week with a view to offering the 25-year-old a short-term deal as cover following injuries to countryman Jaco Taute and Ireland international Chris Farrell.
Garryowen scrum-half and captain Neil Cronin has also signed a one-year deal, the 25-year-old played four times for Munster in 2014-15.