Munster will turn to youth after Francis Saili injury setback

Rassie Erasmus has given Munster’s young midfield hopefuls two pre-season games to stake their claim to a starting place for the new campaign before looking to bring in a more experienced replacement for long-term injury victim Francis Saili.

The new director of rugby yesterday admitted his hopes for a strong start to his first campaign at the helm had been dealt a blow with the news twice-capped All Black outside centre Saili, 25, had on Monday undergone a second surgical procedure on his right shoulder, ruling him out of action for “three to four months”.

Yet rather than reaching for his contacts book and beginning a search for a replacement straight away, the South African is prepared to hand a chance to candidates within his existing pool.