(Photo: Getty Images)
By Adam Ellis
Simon Zebo will not travel to South Africa with the rest of the Munster squad for their matches against Southern Kings and the Cheetahs in the PRO14.
The full-back’s part in Munster’s 20-19 victory over Toulon in the Champions Cup quarter-finals was short lived after he was forced off in 24th minute with a hamstring injury.
The severity of the injury has not been disclosed by the Irish province but he is not named among the 28-strong party to tour George and Bloemfontein.
His replacement Darren Sweetnam will also remain this side of the equator after ‘picking up a knock’ against Toulon.
Awaiting a semi-final against Racing 92 upon their return from South Africa, the squad trained in Cape Town today prior to journeying to CJ Stander’s hometown of George for the first tie.
Stephen Fitzgerald provides cover for head coach Johann van Graan among the back three options, with Keith Earls (knee) out of action for six weeks.
While 20-year-old scrum-half Jack Stafford could be in line to make only his third appearance for the team as a late inclusion.
The Kings will be looking to produce a strong response after a Marty Banks penalty consigned them to a narrow 35-36 defeat against Benetton almost a fortnight ago.