IRELAND MAY BE holding their cards close to their chests but, for now, no player from the side that beat Wales has been ruled out of duty against on Sunday.
Team manager Mick Kearney listed seven names in this afternoon’s injury update at Carton House but stressed that all have a chance of playing this weekend.
The most positive news is that Brian O’Driscoll suffered a scalp laceration, which sounds more serious than it is, and should, after receiving stitches, be safe to resume full training tomorrow.
Kearney’s tone when dealing with knocks to inside centre Gordon D’Arcy and Keith Earls was more considered, suggesting that the duo are the team’s biggest concerns.
He told TheScore.ie, “Gordon suffered a nasty dead leg but is recovering better than expected. The prognosis is still guarded but we are more hopeful than we were yesterday. He will do modified training today and tomorrow.”
Kearney added, “Keith suffered a blow to his left shoulder and it was quite sore. Again the prognosis is guarded… he will have a specialist review tomorrow.”
Conor Murray, Mick Kearney and Gert Smal at today’s press briefing. (Credit: Pat McCarry)
Ireland assistant coach Gert Smal is confident that Ireland would be well covered in the centre id D’Arcy and Earls miss out.
He said, “With Lukey [Fitzgerald] there’s an option, Fergus McFadden can fit in there and Brian can move into inside centre if possible so there’s a fair amount of options there.”
The other names on the ‘knocks’ list include Rob Kearney [bruised back], Mike Ross [calf cramp] and Peter O’Mahony, who took a knock to the head near the end of Saturday’s match.
Kearney pointed out that O’Mahony feels fine and has taken part in light training but must be monitored closely and in accordance to IRB guidelines on possible concussions.
If O’Mahony shows any ill-effects from the blow he may have to sit out three weeks of rugby action.
Ireland have called Rhys Ruddock, Darren Cave, Robbie Henshaw and Andrew Trimble into an extended training squad ahead of the England clash.
