Henshaw Remains Sidelined For Connacht
As the GUINNESS PRO12 take a two-week break, Connacht’s attention turns to the European Challenge Cup competition and the arrival of French Top 14 side Bayonne to the Sportsground on Saturday (kick-off 5pm).
Following Connacht’s 14-6 win over the Scarlets last Saturday, they have tightened their grip on sixth place in the PRO12 table.
The bruising round 9 encounter has left versatile forward Andrew Browne nursing an aggravated knee injury. The Galway man is unlikely to be available to Pat Lam and his coaching team this week.
Browne’s second row partner Quinn Roux sustained a minor ankle sprain against the Scarlets and has had his training load modified early this week. However, the 24-year-old South African is hoping to be fighting fit ahead of the team announcement on Friday.
Meanwhile, backs Robbie Henshaw (hip pointer), Ian Porter (foot sprain), Niyi Adeolokun (ankle sprain) and Tiernan O’Halloran (knee) remain unavailable for selection this week.
Aly Muldowney, who missed out on the last two games has been cleared fit to play after observing the appropriate return-to-play concussion protocols.
The Connacht Eagles were also in action last weekend in round 4 of their British & Irish Cup campaign. The Eagles were defeated 17-7 away to London Scottish whom they had beaten 30-27 in the last round at the Sportsground.
Centre Conor Finn touched down in the second half for the Eagles. That score was converted by out-half Miah Nikora converted but Scottish had two converted tries and a penalty to reverse October’s defeat.
There were no major injury concerns arising from the clash and Nigel Carolan’s men are in action away from home again this Saturday when they travel to take on Welsh club Pontypridd at Sardis Road (kick-off 2.30pm).