RUGBY: Munster are doubtful the in-form Alan Quinlan will be available for round two of the Heineken European Cup at home against Castres Olympique on Saturday.
On a weekend where three of the favourite sides - Stade Francais, Biarritz Olympique and London Wasps - lost to Ospreys, Saracens and Edinburgh respectively, Quinlan injured his knee early in the second half against Sale Sharks on Friday night and had a scan in Cork on Saturday.The extent of the injury is still unclear; he is likely to have a scope put in today.
"We don't expect him back for the next match and maybe beyond," said a Munster official yesterday.
The good news for coach Declan Kidney is that Peter Stringer came through the Sale game intact, as did the rest of the team.
Leinster coach Michael Cheika will meanwhile be thankful winger Rob Kearney seems to have suffered nothing more than severe cramp toward the end of the home game against Bath on Saturday. Kearney went down with cramping in both legs.
Cheika can also expect to have backrow Eric Miller available for selection as Leinster travel to face Glasgow Warriors on Sunday. Miller bruised an ankle two weeks ago against Munster and failed to make the pitch for the second half.
In Ulster, the immediate future of scrumhalf Isaac Boss will be known today. Forced from the game in the first half in the win against Treviso on Friday, the South African will be told the extent of the damage to his calf muscle when he has a scan this morning.
Facing a tough trip to Biarritz this weekend, the province are not optimistic he will be available - but they are confident that Kieron Campbell, his rival for the number-nine jersey, will be fit.
Ireland flanker Simon Easterby is also in doubt for Llanelli's second-round game against Edinburgh on Saturday. Easterby, who captains the Welsh side, departed their game against Toulouse with what was later discovered to be a broken nose.
The extent of those injuries could also impact on Ireland's three-match series of autumn internationals.
Over the weekend the All Blacks announced their 35-man squad for their Northern Hemisphere tour, and it includes five uncapped players.
Wellington prop Neemia Tialata comes in, as does loose forward Angus MacDonald, utility back Isaia Toeava of Auckland, loose forward Chris Masoe and lock Jason Eaton of Taranaki.
The All Blacks are seeking a Grand Slam but coach Graham Henry said he was also looking ahead to the 2007 World Cup.
"Developing depth is part of our strategy going forward so it's good to introduce five new players," Henry said yesterday.
The squad leave New Zealand tomorrow to prepare for the first leg of the tour, against Six Nations champions Wales on November 6th. They play Ireland on November 13th, England on November 20th and Scotland seven days later.
NEW ZEALAND (squad for autumn internationals) - Tana Umaga (captain), Mils Muliaina, Leon MacDonald, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Rico Gear, Doug Howlett, Joe Rokocoko, Isaia Toeava, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Aaron Mauger, Daniel Carter, Luke McAlister, Byron Kelleher, Piri Weepu, Jimmy Cowan, Rodney So'oialo, Mose Tuiali'i, Richie McCaw, Chris Masoe, Jerry Collins, Sione Lauaki, Angus MacDonald, Jason Eaton, Ali Williams, Chris Jack, James Ryan, Carl Hayman, Greg Somerville, Neemia Tialata, Tony Woodcock, John Afoa, Anton Oliver, Keven Mealamu, Andrew Hore.
