MUNSTER HAVE BEEN boosted by the news that Perpignan will be without a handful of first-choice players for Sunday’s Pool 6 Heineken Cup encounter.
The Top 14 side lost 30-23 at home to Clermont in a game in which they enjoyed superiority for extended periods. The disappointment of that narrow defeat has been compounded by the loss of four players to injury ahead of the crucial European tie.
A fractured wrist for tight-head prop Giorgi Jgenti is the most worrying of all for head coach Marc Delpoux ahead of the clash in Limerick. The Georgian international has had the unenviable task of replacing USAP legend Nicolas Mas this season, but has managed to do so with impressive conviction. The 28-year-old has been a key part of a strong Perpignan scrum up until this point.
Behind him, lock Romain Taofifénua picked up a knee injury against Clermont, meaning the 140kg beast will be absent at Thomond Park. Luke Charteris and Sébastien Vahaamahina are more rounded second rows than Taofifenua, but the France international offers strength and size in the tight. Munster will be relieved his bulk will be missing.
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No. 8 Luke Narraway is a more familiar name in Ireland due to his eight seasons with Gloucester previously, but he too will be unavailable to Delpoux on Sunday. The England international suffered a bruised hip in Saturday’s Top 14 loss and will not recover in time.
Finally, South African winger Wandile Mjekevu shipped injuries to his knee and ankle against Vern Cotter’s side, ruling him out for the next month. The former Lions flyer has been in strong form recently, offering Perpignan an exciting breaking threat in open play. Mjekevu, 22, played against Ireland twice at U20s level, scoring three tries.
In more positive news, Delpoux has been able to welcome Samoan second row Daniel Leo and abrasive back row Jean-Pierre Perez back to training this week. However, the blow of losing four potentially key players for Sunday’s clash with Munster has weakened his hand.
Meanwhile, Munster’s new South African wing Gerhard van den Heever will now not be registered for Munster’s Heineken Cup double header after breaking a bone in his hand during his debut against the Dragons in the Pro12 on Friday night.
James Coughlan is another who will consult a specialist before knowing the extent of his injury. The number eight suffered an eye injury at Rodney Parade and could be another to miss out on the visit of Perpignan.
