A big (but certainly not the only) reason for Munster's failed season in 2015/16 was down to injuries. Key injuries. Lots of them. Not having Peter O'Mahony for the entire season for one.
So this off season was meant to be better for Munster. A new director of rugby to bring in a fresh wave of energy and enthusiasm, coupled with the extra young talent coming through, and positive new signings. 2016/17 looked like it could be good for the boys in red.
But there's a stormcloud on the horizon. Yesterday's injury update showed that things aren't as positive as they'd like to believe. Injuries to Tyler Bleyendaal and Johnny Holland have left Munster very short in the outhalf department - only Ian Keatley is left as a fit senior outhalf. Even academy product and future long-term outhalf Bill Johnston is out for the next few months after another shoulder problem during the Ireland U20s World Cup campaign. Munster have their first warm-up game against Zebre in two weeks, and Erasmus said that if they aren't recovered by then that signings may have to be made.
But that isn't the only issue. Captain Peter O'Mahony still isn't right after his ACL injury last October, and it might not be until the following season that we see O'Mahony get back to full fitness - judging by the comeback of NFL players from an injury of that nature. Francis Saili is another doubt for the opening of the season - the centre had shoulder surgery in May and might not be ready in time.
Perhaps most concerning of all is Mark Chisholm. The Australian second row was stood down last January because of a concussion, and still hasn't been cleared to play:
Mark has got a concussion. It’s a medical thing we’re all waiting on. It’s tough to give an answer on that. It’s the same as last year at this stage.
After seven months out, every care will be taken with Chisholm - but you have to have concerns. Munster would be short on second row depth without Chisholm, even with the new signing Jean Kleyn.
[Irish Examiner]
