Blow for Connacht ahead of Dragons game as freak accident rules Carty out
By John Ivory
CONNACHT will have to plan without the services of fly-half Jack Carty for tonight’s (Thursday, 7.30pm) clash with the Newport Gwent Dragons after he ruptured his spleen while on holiday in Dubai last week.
Carty travelled abroad with some team-mates during Connacht’s week off after 16 games in-a-row and now faces a stretch on the sidelines following a water-slide related accident.
“He thought it was just deep bruising but he ruptured his spleen so he had surgery over in Dubai this (Monday) morning, so the spleen has been removed,’’ said Pat Lam, Connacht Rugby Head Coach.
“We’re looking at anything from one to three months recovery before he can take part in any contact training so that was disappointing news for us and for Jack.
“The most important thing is that he is recovering, he’s safe, that he’s had the surgery and he’ll be back next week. You don’t want to risk anything.’’
AJ MacGinty makes his fifth start of the season replacing the injured Carty at out-half, while Bundee Aki shifts to outside centre to facilitate the introduction of Craig Ronaldson in the number 12 shirt.
Rodney Ah You comes into the front row in the only change to the pack. Connacht also welcome Kieran Marmion, Ultan Dillane and Finlay Bealham back from the Irish squad.
While Connacht haven’t lost to the Dragons since November 2012, the Welsh outfit have shown signs of progression recently, beating Leinster and narrowly losing to Ulster last Friday night.
Their recent run of form has not gone unnoticed by Lam and he revealed Connacht started their preparation early to be as ready as possible for a tough clash at Rodney Parade.
“The Monday after the Scarlets game, we covered off the game plan for the Dragons. We ran a few of the plays and things that we wanted to do, just a light run, so the boys left on their holiday knowing exactly what they had to do.
“They’ve completely changed their attack shape and have improved a lot and absolutely deserved a very good win against Leinster and they should have had two from two with the Irish provinces (against Ulster).
In contrast to the Dragons recent run off good form, Connacht have had some struggles away from home and are without a win in their last five away games.
The victory over Scarlets on January 30 brought to an end a 16-week streak of games. Lam admitted he took stock during their week off and knows they have a chance to put pressure on their rivals by playing first.
For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.