CENTRE BUNDEE AKI is a major injury concern for Connacht as they begin preparations for Sunday’s Challenge Cup clash with the Exeter Chiefs in Galway.
Both sides have won three of their four Pool 2 fixtures so far this season in the European competition, although Exeter have three try-scoring bonus points to Connacht’s two [as well as a losing bonus point], ensuring the English side lead the group.
It means that Sunday’s encounter is sure to be crucial in deciding who tops the pool and moves into a strong position to secure a home quarter-final.
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Pat Lam has been clear in stating that Connacht’s priority this season is a top-six finish in the Guinness Pro12, but with that competition not set to resume until February, the province may use an experienced XV against the Chiefs.
Aki is a unlikely to be involved, however, as he undergoes an MRI on the ankle injury he sustained in Connacht’s defeat to Edinburgh at the Sportsground on Friday night. The 24-year-old appeared to be in some pain before limping off in the 77th minute, leaving Lam’s side with just 13 players on the pitch.
He rolled his ankle or twisted it in the contact,” said Lam of the injury immediately post-match. “The way he runs into contact, he’s pretty dynamic and it got twisted.”
Aki was scheduled to have a scan on the ankle today, with Connacht expected to provide an update later this week. Even if the explosive ex-Chiefs midfielder does miss out on the Exeter fixture as expected, Lam will hope the ankle injury does not mean a longer spell on the sidelines for Aki.
Aki has struck up a promising partnership with Robbie Henshaw. James Crombie / INPHO
James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO
More positively, out-half Craig Ronaldson has been cleared to resume training having completed his return-to-play protocols.
The former Lansdowne man suffered a concussion in the New Year’s Day victory over Munster, missing out on the loss to Edinburgh as a result.
Ronaldson is expected to be available for selection this weekend against the Chiefs.
Hmmm…Rugby World Cup 2007, Ireland 14 Georgia 10, Georgia were leading 10-7 until Dempsey’s lucky try in the 55th minute? Remember that? Arrogant, disrespectful, complacent article. No international rugby team and no international test game should be taken for granted like this.
Please media don’t turn irish rugby into England circa 2003 or Wales since then, media hyped so much everyone wants you to fail because you look arrogant.
This Ireland team are cute enough now to play their own game regardless of opposition & despite what bookies/journos say. Bookies weren’t too hot last week with the South Africa odds!
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Just spoke to Keith Barry and according to him Georgia will pull off a shock win at the Aviva!…
Hmmm…Rugby World Cup 2007, Ireland 14 Georgia 10, Georgia were leading 10-7 until Dempsey’s lucky try in the 55th minute? Remember that? Arrogant, disrespectful, complacent article. No international rugby team and no international test game should be taken for granted like this.
Derek, well said. Every team can be beaten.
Please media don’t turn irish rugby into England circa 2003 or Wales since then, media hyped so much everyone wants you to fail because you look arrogant.
Hmm…think I’m up for Georgia now…. Very arrogant article.
Not a fan of these kinda aricles Will..
..reeks of arrogance
Remember ESPN did something similar for the US Ryder Cup team when Europe looked down and out on final day 2 years ago..
Plus, how Galway only 25/1?! Should be double that
Considering the uproar about Bok TV’s scheduled add on Monday about beating Ireland, this a bit embarrassing.
This Ireland team are cute enough now to play their own game regardless of opposition & despite what bookies/journos say. Bookies weren’t too hot last week with the South Africa odds!
You can get about 75/1 at Betfair. Interestingly, a draw between Germany and Gibraltar is trading at around 150/1.
Mayo for sam