Loftus mission: Munster travel without their general
INJURY UPDATE: When Munster board their flight bound for South Africa on Tuesday, where they have a quarterfinal date with the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, they will do so without their kingpin.
Munster’s task at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday has become significantly more difficult, with star flyhalf Jack Crowley ruled out.
The Ireland international has been battling an injury that also kept him out of Munster’s final regular-season victory over the Lions, and there remains uncertainty over the nature and severity of the issue.
Head coach Clayton McMillan revealed on Monday that Crowley is expected to see a specialist, with the outcome likely to determine not only his short-term prospects with Munster but potentially his availability for Ireland’s upcoming summer Tests against Australia, Japan and New Zealand.
Crowley’s absence is a major blow for a Munster side already dealing with a lengthy injury list. The travelling squad is without captain Tadhg Beirne, locks Edwin Edogbo and Jean Kleyn, props Oli Jager and Michael Milne, centre Tom Farrell and wing Calvin Nash.
Experienced flyhalf JJ Hanrahan will once again take charge of the No 10 jersey in Crowley’s absence. The 33-year-old is set to make his 17th appearance of the season for the province.
There is, however, some good news for Munster. Lock Fineen Wycherley and centre Alex Nankivell have both returned to training after missing the 24-17 win over the Lions and could feature against the Bulls.
The visitors will be hoping to overturn the result from their previous trip to Pretoria, where the Bulls edged a thrilling encounter 34-31 at Loftus Versfeld in March.
