Connacht’s epic league away win over Munster marred by Henshaw injury

BUOYED by a historic league win over Munster – their first at Thomond Park in 29 years – Connacht will be looking to pull yet another rabbit from the hat when the PRO12 leaders’ take their ‘Magic Show’ on the road for a showdown against the Blues at Cardiff Arms Park on Friday (7:05pm).

The province’s 18-12 victory – compliments of tries from Tiernan O’Halloran and Bundee Aki – over the former two-time Heineken Cup champions cemented Connacht’s place at the top of the PRO12 table on 32 points – ahead of Scarlets on 30 points and Irish rivals Munster and Leinster on 28 points apiece.

Unfortunately, it did come at a price with international Robbie Henshaw breaking his hand in the last play of the game. Henshaw, who used his wizardry to great effect in setting up Bundee Aki for the match-winning try, had surgery on his left hand on Monday morning in Santry.

It is understood the injury will sideline the talented Athlone man for up to six weeks. Added to this, loosehead prop Denis Buckley and back row forward Eoghan Masterson sustained a high ankle sprain and fractured thumb respectively in the game. Both will be out for up to three weeks.

The trio join an already heaving injury list which was compounded by the news this week confirming that flanker Nepia Fox Matamua did rupture his ACL in the recent Cup win over Brive. Surgery has been scheduled for January with six months of rehabilitation to follow.

While it all but ends the New Zealander’s participation in the current campaign, second row forward Andrew Browne should be fit to return in the coming weeks as he makes a good recovery from the hand injury sustained against Brive.

Thankfully, it is not all doom and gloom for head coach Pat Lam. Quinn Roux has returned to full fitness after injury and is available for selection for the Blues game while prop Rodney Ah You has returned from his father’s funeral in New Zealand.

In addition, Eoin McKeon, Ben Marshall and Dave McSharry have all completed the return-to-play protocols following concussion and are available for a PRO12 clash the league leaders will be expected to win despite playing away from home.

With Connacht having won seven of their eight league games to date – and the Blues recording just one victory in this time – all the momentum is with the West of Ireland men. That said, coach Lam stressed they would not be relying on this alone – or the expectation of a win – to see them through in Wales.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.