Keith Earls ‘touch and go’ for clash with Edinburgh

Munster will wait anxiously on the recovery of Keith Earls from a hamstring strain as director of rugby Rassie Erasmus tries to figure out his centre options for Saturday’s first outing of the Pro12 campaign at Thomond Park against Edinburgh.

Ireland wing Earls, named at outside centre for last Saturday’s trip to Newport Gwent Dragons for his first start of the season, was a late withdrawal after pulling up in training, forcing Erasmus to switch academy centre Dan Goggin back into the 13 jersey and bring in former Leinster back Collie O’Shea for his Munster debut at 12.

Earls’s injury added to Munster’s midfield fitness woes following long-term injuries to Francis Saili and Sam Arnold and a neck problem for Rory Scannell. Yet while Scannell should be available for this weekend’s visit of Edinburgh, O’Shea will have to complete his return to play protocols to pass fit for Saturday having suffered a concussion in the win at Rodney Parade, as did full-back Andrew Conway, with Simon Zebo still a week away from his return from a rib injury.