Nankivell boost for Munster ahead of URC semi-final

Munster have reported a clean bill of health following Friday’s BKT URC win over Ospreys, while Alex Nankivell is in the running to face Glasgow.

Graham Rowntree’s side recorded a 23-7 win over the Welsh outfit at the weekend and will host the Warriors at Thomond Park in the semi-final on Saturday (6pm).

New Zealand centre Nankivell, who has played 18 times for the club this season, has been out of action since injuring his ankle in the round-17 win over Edinburgh.

“He is increasing his training load. A decision on his availability will be made later in the week,” said the province.

However, the defending champions also confirmed that Bordeaux-bound out-half Joey Carbery is set for surgery on a finger issue, while forward Tom Ahern will “see a specialist with a view to surgery” for an ankle injury.

Both players were injured in Munster’s derby win over Connacht nine days ago.

Munster finished top of the standings to ensure a home run for however long they stay in the play-offs.

Following last season’s away run to the title, Rowntree said it was payback for the Munster supporters.

“We want to do it for the fans who couldn’t make it to Cape Town and to Leinster,” he said.

“You can feel the vibe of this place in knockout rugby. It’s important.”

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Watch highlights of all the weekend’s URC action on Against the Head, 7pm, RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player

Watch the URC semi-final, Bulls v Leinster, on Saturday from 2.30pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player, follow a live blog on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app and listen to commentary on Saturday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1

Follow a live blog on the URC semi-final, Munster v Glasgow Warriors, on Saturday from 6pm on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app and listen to commentary on Saturday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1