A trio of players who were unable to play against the Italians, flanker Stephen Ferris, fly-half Jonathan Sexton and lock Donncha O'Callaghan, should be available for selection for the potential championship decider against the French.
A trio of players who were unable to play against the Italians, flanker Stephen Ferris, fly-half Jonathan Sexton and lock Donncha O'Callaghan, should be available for selection for the potential championship decider against the French.
Well I heard, from a reliable source, that the Ireland management wanted to play 1F against Italy but the medical boys said if you do he could miss the entire tournament. That suggests to me he cannot have been far off at all.
Ireland are monitoring the fitness of Ronan O'Gara and Andrew Trimble ahead of their RBS Six Nations clash with France in Paris.
The duo both picked up injuries during the stuttering 29-11 victory over Italy on Saturday - with Trimble's thigh problem causing the Ireland medical staff the greater concern.
Fly-half O'Gara, who weighed in with 16 points at Croke Park against the Azzurri, has also suffered a leg injury and faces a crucial 24 hours.
However British and Irish Lions captain Paul O'Connell, who also picked up a knockj against Italy, is expected to be fit to resume training.
Stephen Ferris, Jonathan Sexton and Donncha O'Callaghan are also set to be passed fit ahead of the crunch tie against Less Bleus.
Coach Declan Kidney will announce his starting XV for the match on Tuesday.
Red Hand Hero wrote:This is the crunch match of the championship for Ireland. After their leisurely victory over the Scots I can't see any team bar Ireland, and even thats at a push, beating them this season. If we don't win in Paris we won't win the championship and from this point of view if Ferris is even close to being fit they'll risk him IMO.
I'd agree with most of that. France have to travel to Cardiff is that correct?
The game will be pretty much won and lost up front this weekend. The french have a super pack and the breakdown will be some spectacle! Ferris would be in his element but will be a massive loss if unavailable. Also a massive game for Healy and Cullen and for whoever starts at hooker. Good teams can win at home, but great teams go to places like Paris, Sydney and Auckand and win.
Climb up onto the top of your house and start screaming: 'stand up for the Ulstermen, stand.......'