Rugby:Munster coach Tony McGahan today named an extended 27-man squad ahead of Saturday's Heineken trip to Perpignan, while Jerry Flannery hasn't ruled out the possibility of making himself available for the final Pool games, though a return in time for the Six Nations in February is a more realistic target.
The Ireland and Munster hooker underwent an exploratory operation on his Achilles tendon yesterday and it is thought a best-case scenario he would be out for four to six weeks, and a worst-case scenario four to six months.
Munster’s final Pool One game will take place at Thomond Park against Northampton on the weekend of January 22nd-24th before the international contingent report for duty ahead of the Six Nations. Ireland’s first game of the championship is against Italy at Croke Park on Saturday, February 6th.
Of more immediate concern is the trip to France to take on a Perpignan side, who are second in the French 14, and outscored Munster three tries to nil in last weekend’s reverse fixture in Thomond Park. Only the boot of Ronan O’Gara saved the home side.
McGahan put his squad through the paces at the University of Limerick today and afterwards Donncha O'Callaghan said Perpignan might show changes in personnel but they will provide the same stern test as last week.
"Look this is a real good Perpignan side,” he said. “They came here to win last weekend. They'll be disappointed that they scored three tries yet couldn't manage that."
"I think we can expect a change in personnel from them but they'll play with the same intensity, the same physicality as they always do.
"Obviously, it's going to be an incredibly difficult venue to play at for us - it is for any visiting team. They have a fantastic record there. But this time around the pressure is all on them. If they lose they're out. So maybe that will allow us try a few things and see how that works out for us."
It remains to be seen if McGahan will recall Springbok signing Jean de Villiers at the expense of Lifeimi Mafi or revert Keith Earls to the wing. Doug Howlett and Paul Warwick are also under pressure in a backline that is not firing.
He may also consider promoting Damien Varley at hooker but otherwise the pack is likely to be unchanged.
Ian Dowling, Felix Jones, Julien Brugnaut and Nick Williams were also named in the extended squad.
McGahan will finalise his starting XV later in the week.
Munster squad (v Perpignan):F Jones, P Warwick, D Hurley, I Dowling, D Howlett, K Earls, J de Villiers, L Mafi, R O'Gara, P Stringer, T O'Leary, J Brugnaut, W du Preez, D Hurley, D Fogarty, D Varley, J Hayes, T Buckley, D O'Callaghan, M O'Driscoll, P O'Connell (captain); A Quinlan, N Ronan, D Wallace, D Leamy, D Ryan, N Williams.
