Munster sweating on Keith Earls for Paris mission
Both Earls and loosehead prop Dave Kilcoyne suffered concussions during Munster’s 24-15 Guinness PRO12 defeat to arch rivals Leinster at the Aviva Stadium last Saturday but while director of rugby Erasmus said the front rower was “99 per cent” certain of facing Racing this weekend, his outside centre from last Saturday was a different matter.
Kilcoyne, said Erasmus, was “doing well. He is probably 99 per cent going to make it.
“Keith Earls is a big worry for us for Sunday. He also had a head bang so he is a big worry. I am not as confident that he will make it.”
Earls has been filling the breach at outside centre created by long-term injuries to Francis Saili and new signing Sam Arnold. His absence would mean another backline rejig for Erasmus, who welcomed back Rory Scannell to inside centre last weekend after a month out with a neck injury.
Scannell came through 70 minutes against Leinster and finished the game alongside Springbok loanee Jaco Taute, who scored a try off the bench and could be making his European debut if Earls fails to complete his return to play protocols.
Kilcoyne’s potential availability could also offset the absence of fellow international loosehead Cronin, handed a four-week ban after being cited for a stamp on Leinster scrum-half and fellow substitute Jamison Gibson-Park in the 74th minute of the interprovincial showdown.
That sidelines Cronin until November 7 unless there is an appeal but Erasmus suggested that avenue would not be pursued.
“Four weeks, I think for the end result of what happened on the pitch from my side I think let’s accept it but I haven’t seen the paperwork yet,” Erasmus said. “I wasn’t there with the whole procedure, but for me at this stage I think we will have to take it on the chin and move on.
“Getting (short-term signing from the Sharks) Thomas du Toit in as well, Brian Scott has been doing well for us when he got onto the park on and off, he can play loosehead and tighthead. We have got a few young guys coming through. John Ryan is going well, Stephen Archer is back. We are doing well enough there. I also feel when a call like that is made, you accept it and move on. Let’s move on and play with the guys you have.
“It’s like an injury, you can lose a guy on Friday because of flu coming into a game. If you lose a guy because of foul play or injury any of those things, all of the other teams, if you look at Racing 92, and Leinster and all of the teams they all have problems.
“You just have to take it, it’s the same for everybody. It’s not the greatest situation but I have been in worse.”
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