Munster blow as Snyman set for long spell on sideline
MUNSTER are resigned to losing RG Snyman for a big chunk of the season with the Springbok lock undergoing a scan yesterday. Snyman’s debut lasted just seven minutes of Saturday night’s clash with Leinster when he damaged his knee after landing awkwardly at a lineout. There are fears that Snyman has damaged his ACL and is facing a long period out of the game.
Munster have other injury concerns with Dave Kilcoyne set for a scan on an ankle injury while Jean Kleyn, who was taken to hospital with a neck injury on Saturday, is undergoing tests. Meanwhile, Leo Cullen is set to ring the changes for Saturday’s derby clash with Ulster in the Aviva Stadium. Both sides are already assured of their places in the Pro14 semi finals and Cullen is poised to give a host of fringe players a run out. Leinster will be without Dave Kearney, who has a hamstring injury, but the province will not rush Dan Leavy back this weekend. ‘Dan is so close to being back, he’s bouncing around the place because he senses he’s that close to getting back to it,’ said assistant coach Robin McBryde. ‘He’s going in the right direction. His energy levels, he’s bouncing around, taking part in training. We’ll wait to see on that decision and see how he goes.’ McBryde expects Tadhg Furlong to be back in the selection mix after the Ireland tighthead sat out last weekend’s win over Munster with a back issue. ‘It was just precaution, he had a twinge in his back really. We didn’t want to risk rushing him back for the game so he’ll be up for selection this week,’ he added. ‘He was building up for the game lovely and he just had a spasm in his back that set him back a bit. ‘There was no point in risking him but he’s chomping at the bit, especially after the game on Saturday where Andrew (Porter) scrummaged particularly well, the scrum went well for us.’