Munster coach Declan Kidney heaved a sigh of relief after X-rays on Peter Stringer's right leg showed no broken bones yesterday. The Shannon scrumhalf was stretchered from the pitch in Shannon's defeat by Blackrock on Wednesday night amid fears that he had suffered a broken bone in his leg.
He underwent an examination by a specialist in Cork yesterday, had X-rays and then an MRI scan. Kidney confirmed: "It's too early to full assess the situation, we will do so on Monday. There is still a possibility that Stringer might have suffered some ligament damage, which should show up on the MRI scan but as of know, it seems to be nothing more serious than a twisted ankle.
He will be on crutches for the weekend but that is purely to allow him keep the weight off his damaged leg. He has not been ruled out of Munster's game against the Rest of Ireland next Friday. Kidney harbours serious injury concerns, with both David Wallace and Alan Quinlan struggling to make the European Cup semi-final on April 21st.
Outhalf Ronan O'Gara, who suffered a bruised hip against St Mary's last weekend, will not play for his club tomorrow. While the bruising has gone down he does not have sufficient power in the leg and so rest has been advised.
Kidney will be hoping that events do not deteriorate further. He will though be mindful that there is still this weekend's full programme of AIB League fixtures to be negotiated by squad members and then a full-blooded encounter when Munster face the Rest of Ireland at Thomond Park next Friday. Given that the match represents a final proving ground for Lions aspirants, the match is guaranteed to be a "full-on" contest.
There was marginally better news in that full back Dominic Crotty, who exacerbated a rib injury, should recover in time for the Ireland game. Crotty picked up a bruised rib last Saturday and took another blow when playing for Garryowen against Clontarf on Wednesday night. He came off after 73 minutes in some pain.
Kidney pointed out: "I think he played a little bit too soon after picking up the original knock. The damage doesn't seem to be too bad and he should be fine if he rests the problem. I don't think he will be playing this weekend."
The re-appearance of Mick Galwey (leg infection) and John Hayes in Shannon colours in their midweek defeat by Blackrock College was important and they are likely to play some sort of role in the club's game against St Mary's at Templeville Road tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Blackrock College captain Leo Cullen is to go into hospital for an operation to Achilles tendon damage next Wednesday. The operation has been scheduled for some time. He plays against Dungannon tomorrow before having the surgery. He will be in plaster for six weeks and there is a recovery period of a further eight.
