Ireland’s World Cup test is about to get serious – and Andy Farrell has a formidably fit squad to meet the looming challenges.
The head coach is expected on Wednesday to name a much-changed squad for the match against Tonga in Nantes on Saturday, compared to the side that defeated Romania on the opening weekend, and he will do so with just one injury absent from his squad.
Jack Conan has been out with a foot injury since the first warm-up match against Italy last month, and his chances of being involved in next week’s blockbuster against South Africa in Paris appear slim.
Otherwise, however, the Irish camp is in poor health. Ensuring this remains the case after the Tongan match, and with the formidable toll it has taken on the Springboks, will be a priority for this weekend.
“I think the signs are very positive in terms of being able to train fully next week and hopefully he will be available for South Africa,” team manager Mick Kearney said yesterday as he ruled Conan out of the Tonga match.
Andy Farrell has a formidably fit squad as Ireland continue their campaign
The head coach may be tempted to call on captain Johnny Sexton again after his fine form against Romania
One of the big decisions facing Farrell will, not for the first time, involve Johnny Sexton. The captain’s sensational return against Romania saw him score 24 points after a six-month absence, moving him within nine points of Ronan O’Gara’s Irish record.
The temptation to release him again a week later will be strong, but the risk of him getting injured before the South Africa game is likely to influence Farrell’s thinking.
Dave Kilcoyne, Robbie Henshaw and Dan Sheehan have all been declared fit for selection, with the latter’s return a major boost. However, considering his importance, this world-class hooker is also someone who will be treated with care this weekend.