A HOME SEMI-FINAL hasn’t yet been secured but Munster director of rugby Rassie Erasmus will be forced to make substantial adjustments to his team for Saturday evening’s away game against Benetton Treviso in the Guinness Pro12.
A win in Italy this weekend will secure home advantage for the southern province in a semi-final which would be played at Thomond Park on 20 May.
Erasmus will travel to the Stadio Monigo this weekend without Dave Kilcoyne, John Ryan, Niall Scannell, Peter O’Mahony, Andrew Conway and Tommy O’Donnell. Having started Saturday’s Champions Cup semi-final defeat to Saracens, all six players have a week off as part of the player management programme.
Munster say scrum-half Conor Murray “remains a doubt” due to the shoulder injury that has kept him sidelined since Ireland’s Six Nations defeat to Wales last month.
Elsewhere, Rory Scannell will follow the return-to-play protocols after sustaining a concussion against Saracens, while Jean Deysel will definitely not play against Treviso as he continues to be assessed for a rib injury. Robin Copeland also requires further assessment after injuring his shoulder in Friday’s British & Irish Cup final win over Jersey.
