TOMMY BOWE TOOK a full part in Ireland’s squad training session at Carton House this morning, having recovered from the calf injury that restricted his involvement yesterday.
The Ulster wing picked up the knock during Saturday’s 40-9 victory over Samoa and was withdrawn in the 59th minute, allowing Dave Kearney to enter the fray and score twice. However, Bowe is now available for selection this weekend.
The 29-year-old’s swift improvement, confirmed this afternoon by the IRFU’s Director of Communications, Stephen McNamara, is a boost for head coach Joe Schmidt ahead of the encounter with Australia. The Wallabies are currently fourth in the IRB’s official world rankings and the Ulster wing’s pace and power will be important out wide.
Jonny Sexton continues to build towards his first international involvement of the season and is looking “sharp” in training according to out-half rival Ian Madigan. The likes of Paul O’Connell, Sean O’Brien and Cian Healy have also been impressing at Ireland’s Maynooth base and appear ready to assume starting roles this weekend.
Leinster’s Luke Fitzgerald and Shane Jennings were both involved in the squad session today, as were Ulster’s Andrew Trimble and Munster’s Donncha O’Callaghan. Getting the green light on Bowe for this weekend is a timely boost for Schmidt, as Ireland will need all of their best players on the pitch.
