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Ireland’s Craig Casey, who also plays scrum-half for Munster, is set for a period on the sidelines after sustaining a thigh issue.
Casey, aged 26, crossed the whitewash for Munster’s initial try during their recent 34-21 victory against the Scarlets, which marked his first game as captain. He is, however, absent from the matchday squad for the upcoming Saturday game against Cardiff at Thomond Park.
The province’s detailed medical report did not specify a recovery timeframe for the international player, who has 20 caps, simply stating ‘to be confirmed,’ whereas the status of the other 11 players listed was specified.
For his first competitive game in charge at home, Clayton McMillan, the newly appointed head coach, has implemented a total of six adjustments to the XV that competed at Parc y Scarlets recently.
Ethan Coughlan has taken Casey’s place at scrum-half, while Niall Scannell, celebrating his 200th appearance, will be wearing the captain’s armband.
Head-to-Head
Past 5 Encounters
Average Points Earned
Besides Coughlan, Jack Crowley is scheduled for his first start of the season, accompanied by Ben O’Connor, the Academy full-back, and a revamped back-row consisting of Tom Ahern, Ruadhán Quinn, and Gavin Coombes.
Crowley is stepping in for the injured JJ Hanrahan and will be partnering with Coughlan for the first occasion.
Dan Kelly, a summer acquisition, is set to start on his home debut, having already marked his competitive debut for the club with a try in west Wales.
Munster: Ben O’Connor, Shane Daly, Dan Kelly, Alex Nankivell, Thaakir Abrahams; Jack Crowley, Ethan Coughlan; Jeremy Loughman, Niall Scannell (C), Oli Jager; Jean Kleyn, Fineen Wycherley; Tom Ahern, Ruadhán Quinn, Gavin Coombes.
Replacements: Diarmuid Barron, Josh Wycherley, Ronan Foxe, Jack O’Donoghue, Brian Gleeson, Paddy Patterson, Tony Butler, Seán O’Brien.
Not Available for Selection:
Tom Farrell (calf) – expected back in training next week.
Mikey Milne (calf) – expected back in training next week.
John Ryan (elbow) – expected back in training next week.
Andrew Smith (chest) – expected back in training next week.
JJ Hanrahan (concussion) – currently undergoing return-to-play procedures.
Diarmuid Kilgallen (ankle) – expected back in training within the next one to two weeks.
Mike Haley (thigh) – experiencing a contusion/minor strain and is anticipated to return to play within the next one to two weeks.
Roman Salanoa (knee) – presently increasing the training regimen.
John Hodnett (cheek) – expected to be back in play in approximately five weeks.
Alex Kendellen (ankle) – has undergone surgical intervention and is projected to return to play in approximately six to eight weeks.
Conor Bartley (thigh) – scheduled to return to training in approximately six to eight weeks.
Craig Casey (thigh) – status to be determined.
