Munster Could Be In Trouble Ahead Of Their Champions Cup Opener Against Ospreys

Number 10.

Munster could be in trouble ahead of their Champions Cup opener with Ospreys next weekend after JJ Hanrahan became their latest outhalf to pick up a worrying injury.

Joey Carbery looks set to be sidelined for the foreseeable future but the province looked to be in good stead with JJ Hanrahan finding some early season form. But he could now miss the Ospreys game after he was replaced early on in their win over Ulster last night.

Hanrahan was taken off in Limerick last night after just 29 minutes following a borderline late hit by Ulster fullback Matt Faddes and head coach Johann van Graan has confirmed the Kerryman has done some damage to his hamstring.

“It looks like a hammy [hamstring],” van Graan said.

“Straight away after that late hit our doctor said he had to come off. We will scan the hamstring on Monday and know more then. Obviously it is a big concern for us with Joey [Carbery] out as well.”

Tyler Bleyendaal, who replaced Hanrahan last night, will be the only fit senior outhalf available to van Graan next week if Hanrahan doesn’t make it. And while he did reasonably well when he came on – the New Zealander missed a couple of penalties that could prove costly in another game.

When asked if he might be forced to add another ten to his squad for Europe, van Graan noted that Rory Scannell could be called upon to cover.

“Possibly.” van Graan added.

“Rory Scannell can cover 10 as well. He has played at 10 for Munster before. He is a very good goal kicker.

“The next option is Ben Healy [Ireland under-20s outhalf] which would be exciting if we need to swap in. That’s currently our options.

“Worst-case scenario we have a few nines who can play 10 before, like Neil Cronin.”

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