Corkery's injury not as bad as feared

David Corkery's shoulder injury, sustained on Tuesday night against South Africa at Ravenhill, is not as bad as first feared. The Cork Constitution flanker hopes to be fit for Munster's European Cup quarter-final against Colomiers in France on Sunday week.

Corkery tore shoulder muscles while playing for Ireland A in their heavy defeat against a rampant South African team, playing the last of three matches in Ireland. The initial prognosis and the pain of the injury suggested a long time in rehabilitation.

Corkery explained: "A boot stamped down on my shoulder, got caught and tore some muscles. It was extremely painful. I have no complaints about the actual incident as I was on the wrong side of ruck. The Ireland A team doctor Mick Griffen and then a doctor at the local hospital both examined the damage and my arm was put in a sling.

"Griffen advised me to see Munster team doctor Len Harty which I will do later today. I will then probably be sent to see a specialist. While definitely out of Con's game on Saturday, I am hopeful that I will be available for the Munster match. There is a 20 per cent improvement in the injury over night."

Munster coach Declan Kidney will be hoping that Corkery recovers given the injury problems that have dogged Shannon flanker Alan Quinlan in recent weeks. Allied to this is the fact that Corkery is playing well again.

Cork Constitution, who last night announced plans for a major reconstruction of their clubhouse at Temple Hill, will announce a side later today but their hosts, Lansdowne, have decided upon their side for Saturday's clash.

Gordon D'Arcy and Stephen Rooney are ruled out through injury. Barry Everitt makes his debut at out-half, Paul Grimes is preferred to Cormac Egan at hooker and Stephen O'Connor partners Gabriel Fulcher in the second row. Liam Toland must content himself with a place on the bench.

Blackrock College have named Brian Carey at fullback for their clash with Terenure College. New Zealanders Eddie Robinson (centre) and Ryan Wheeler (flanker) are given league debuts. Nicky Assaf is selected on the wing while a late decision will be taken on who inherits the loose-head prop berth.

Paul Flavin and former Old Crescent man Tom Stapleton are the protagonists. Flanker Duncan Kennedy has completed his studies at Bristol University and returns to the club.

Sunday's Well are without Munster squad member Eddie Hogan-O'Connell for the game against Ballynahinch. The promising scrum-half will be out of action until the New Year.