Springbok World Cup winner Jean Kleyn is one of five internationals sidelined for Munster’s crucial Vodacom URC clash against Connacht on Saturday.
The South African lock suffered a bicep injury in Munster’s win over a second-string Ulster side and joins Ireland quartet Tadhg Beirne (knee), Tom Farrell (shoulder), Calvin Nash (hamstring) and Oli Jager (head) on the casualty list for the Dexcom Stadium showdown.
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It’s a significant blow for Munster, who sit fifth on the log – just two points behind the third-placed Lions and fourth-placed Leinster but only four points clear of eighth-placed Ulster.
With two rounds remaining in the regular season, every match carries playoff implications, and losing a player of Kleyn’s experience and physicality could prove costly against a dangerous Connacht outfit sitting ninth and desperate to gatecrash the top eight.
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There was some positive news for Munster with Ireland flyhalf Jack Crowley declared available after withdrawing shortly before kick-off against Ulster.
Crowley’s presence will be crucial as Munster look to secure their playoff berth and potentially climb the table in the final stretch.
Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
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