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There's no holding John Muldoon back though. Cathal Noonan/INPHO
men of the west

Connacht likely to save Henshaw for Leinster clash, Roux hopes to prove fitness for Bayonne

The Pro12 is the priority for Pat Lam’s men and they’ve got a tough set of fixtures between European games.

CONNACHT STAR CENTRE Robbie Henshaw will again be an absentee from Pat Lam’s starting line-up this weekend.

The 21-year-old is recovering from a ‘hip pointer’ injury sustained during Ireland’s win over Australia last month and has already been ruled out of Saturday’s Challenge Cup clash with Bayonne (KO 17.00).

Last week, Lam stressed the importance of allowing the Athlone man to recover “ahead of a very busy and crucial block of games”.

Following the back-to-back meeting with the French club, Connacht must travel to Leinster and Ulster either side of Christmas before hosting Munster and Edinburgh in the New Year. And they will be hoping to sustain their Pro12 form with the aim of qualifying for next season’s Champions Cup.

Robbie Henshaw Henshaw took a spectator's role in training. James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

For now though, it’s the Challenge Cup that faces Connacht and they remain hopeful that  Quinn Roux can prove his fitness after suffering a ‘minor’ ankle sprain. Aly Muldowney will also boost second row options after coming through concussion return to play protocols.

Along with Henshaw, Lam will be without Andrew Browne, Tiernan O’Halloran ( both knee), Ian Porter (foot) and Niyi Adeolokun (ankle) for the European fixture.

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