Ireland fans will be delighted with the news that Paul O'Connell and Cian Healy are expected to be fit to face South Africa on Saturday.
The forward pair were in doubt for Ireland's opening November international at Lansdowne Road with back and shoulder problems respectivley but were both able to take full part in training on Tuesday.
O'Connell is the leading candidate to lead the team in regular skipper Brian O'Driscoll's absence, although Ireland have yet to confirm who will lead the team against the Springboks.
With established internationals Sean O'Brien, Stephen Ferris, Rob Kearney and Rory Best also ruled out, the news comes as a massive boost. Head Coach coach Declan Kidney names his team to face South Africa on Thursday.
"Paul trained fully today and did everything in training - scrum, line-out and contact," said assistant coach Mark Tainton.
"We'll see what happens over the next 24 hours but we don't envisage any reaction to what he did today. It's looking good from his side.
"Cian did a full session today and there were no problems with his shoulder during a live scrummaging session. He showed full power."
Ulster prop Declan Fitzpatrick is not training with the squad due to concussion.
Comments
Norm says...
@ J_HDK
I totally agree. In the interests of development it should be Ryan and Tuohy picking up the pieces from the summer tour anyway.
@ Paddywhatever
Have a word with yourself you prat!
Posted 13:22 07th November 2012
paddy91317 says...
@J_HDK
I agree he will probably hurt his baby finger today and need 6 weeks rehab as he doesnt possess the ability to heal in a normal amount of time
Posted 07:55 07th November 2012
J_HDK says...
I would put money on O'Connell being injured again by the end of the International series if he plays.
Posted 23:00 06th November 2012
spike19 says...
With so many top players out Kidney may as well blood a couple of youngsters, while experience is important there is no supplement for the unpredictable. With this in mind my team to face SA would be:
Healy, Strauss, Ross, O'Connell, Ryan, Henderson, O'Mahony, Heaslip, Marshall, Sexton, Zebo, McSharry, Earls, Trimble, Bowe
reps: Kilcoyne, Cronin, Archer, Tuohy, Henry, Murray, O'Gara, McFadden
That's 5 new caps well deserved, Marshall is the form scrumhalf at the form club and knows his opposite man inside out. McSharry should have been in the squad but is not so wont be considered unfortunately. Henderson is an awesome prospect and more importantly is ready. The reserve props are the best available back up.
Posted 18:23 06th November 2012