MUNSTER COACH ANTHONY Foley says he expects a full-blooded challenge from Connacht in Saturday’s top of the Pro12 table clash at Thomond Park.
But Foley may have to plan without Irish scrum-half Conor Murray as they bid to knock Pat Lam’s men off the top of the table.
The Irish scrum-half suffered a bruised foot in the Champions Cup win over Treviso the weekend before last and was unable to train at UL today.
The 26-year old joins a lengthy casualty list which saw skipper Peter O’Manhony (knee) and hooker Duncan Casey (quad) undergo surgery on Friday which will keep them out for most of the season.
And with Mike Sherry recovering from a knee injury, Foley may need to bring in cover at hooker.
But his primary concern at the moment is stopping Connacht from winning at Thomond Park for the first time in the professional era.
Connacht’s last win in Limerick was way back in 1986 but with both teams winning six of their seven games so far this season, Foley expects Saturday’s clash to be tough.
“They have gone very well, obviously building on the back of what they did last year. They have gone well on both front, domestic and European fronts. It is going to provide test for us.
“The top side coming to Thomond Park. We need to put out a big performance, we need to show what we are made of,” said Foley.
The Munster coach said that Pat Lam has brought in quality players but also praised the way young talent has been brought through at the Sportsground.
“He has brought through a number of their own players as well through the academy. He has recruited wisely. They have put together a very strong squad, not just a strong 15.
“They are showing up well. They showed up well in pre-season in Thomond Park against us. And we haven’t forgotten that,” added Foley.
Two young Australia players, prop Rory O’Connor, who was on the Australian U-20 side last year, and scrum-half Mike Kennedy, trained with the squad at University of Limerick today. Both are Irish qualified.
Pat Lam hopeful Connacht’s super heroes can stand up and be counted at Thomond Park
The Leinster front row returned to training a day early to address their scrum capitulation
