Killian Keane remains the major concern for Munster prior to Saturday's Heineken European Cup clash with Colomiers in Toulouse. The Garryowen centre missed his club's victory over Terenure College at the weekend with a back problem. Despite receiving intensive physiotherapy his presence for this crucial European tie is far from guaranteed .
Coach Declan Kidney is expected to confirm his starting line-up later today, and although he will have been heartened by Keane's limited participation in training, he faces a potentially tricky decision. The Skerries-born international has been in excellent form for the province, providing an effective centre partnership with Mike Mullins, culminating in both players crossing the Saracens line in a magnificent victory at Vicarage Road. If Keane is forced to step down then Kidney might opt to switch versatile Cork Constitution wing John Kelly to centre, a position he has played with distinction, and introduce John O'Neill on the right wing. The rehabilitation of Dominic Crotty after a period on the sidelines with a toe injury was confirmed at the weekend when the former international produced an exemplary performance in Garryowen's victory over Terenure.
Crotty should be restored to the full back berth on the provincial side despite the obvious quality of his replacement, Jeremy Staunton, who made a decent fist of his new role: he also scored a try in the Saracens match. Staunton was one of three players to succumb to a flu bug, along with Mullins and Shannon flanker Alan Quinlan. All are expected to be considered.
Constitution hooker Frankie Sheahan could return to the bench following injury. He proved his fitness at the weekend. Munster's game will take place in Stade Les Sept Deniers, home to Toulouse, despite the fact that they face Colomiers.
Leinster's injury problems continue to spiral ahead of Sunday's Pool A trip to Paris. Trevor Brennan is a long term casualty but has been joined on the treatment table by captain Liam Toland, Gordon D'Arcy, Emmet Byrne and Brad Free. Toland missed
Lansdowne's win over Shannon last Saturday with a toe injury but the problem is responding well to treatment.
D'Arcy also missed that game with a shoulder problem while Byrne retired with a back problem after 40 minutes of St Mary's game Dungannon: Reggie Corrigan would deputise for the latter. Free is suffering from neck and shoulder problems but his injury is offset by the presence at training yesterday of New Zealander Stu Forster, fit again after missing the last two weekends.
Ulster await a medical report on Eric Miller prior to Friday's Pool C clash with Llanelli at Ravenhill. Miller did not play for Terenure because of a hamstring strain but Ulster coach Harry Williams is hoping that he will be fit. A doctor's report will be required to determine whether Jonathan Bell can play. Bell suffered concussion in the match against Wasps and all depends on its severity: two weeks for mild, three for severe says the rulebook.
In the European Shield Connacht are hosts to Toulon at the Sportsground on Saturday and are expected to be at full strength. McIvor is happily recovered from injury, a fact he illustrated with an outstanding performance for Buccaneers at the weekend.
