Wednesday, January 26, 2011

More Six Nations injury problems for Ireland

Jamie Heaslip, Shane Horgan, and John Hayes have been ruled out of Ireland's RBS 6 Nations Championship opener against Italy on Saturday week.

Hayes and Horgan are both expected to miss both the opening match in Rome on Sunday, 6 February and the game against France at Aviva Stadium the following weekend. Heaslip has only been ruled out of the opening match.

Both Hayes and Horgan were replaced at half-time during their province's Heineken Cup wins at the weekend.

Horgan is ruled out with a knee injury. His absence exacerbates a potential crisis at wing and full-back for Kidney and Ireland.

The Leinster winger has been in fine form of late of late and with Rob Kearney, Andrew Trimble and Geordan Murphy already ruled out, he was in contention for a starting place.

Tommy Bowe could also miss the Italy match, also with a knee problem, though it is hoped will be given the all clear to play. The Neath-Swansea Ospreys man is seeing a consultant in the UK today. Ireland manager Paul McNaughton later confirmed that he was doubtful to start.

Tighthead prop Hayes absence is due to a groin injury and it also leaves Ireland short in a key position. McNaughton said that Hayes had a Grade 2 tear that would rule him out of the opening rounds at least.

Kidney had already decided to leave Tony Buckley in the 'A' squad but he may now have to reverse that decision with Ireland short of cover in the front row.

Buckley is expected to remain with the 'A' squad for Friday's match against Scotland A at Netherdale. The team for that match is due to be named tomorrow. Connacht prop Jamie Hagan, also in the 'A' squad, could also enter the equation.

Kidney could simply opt to stick with a propping trio of Mike Ross, Tom Court and Cian Healy for the senior side match-day squads with Ross and Court both capable of playing at tighthead.

Number eight Heaslip has struggled with an ankle problem that has kept him out of Leinster's Heineken Cup campaign since Christmas and it has been confirmed he will not recover in time for the opening match.

His absence means a difficult decision for Ireland head coach Declan Kidney is deferred with Sean O'Brien, David Wallace and Stephen Ferris all also in contention for back-row slots.

O'Brien won man of the match when deputising in the number eight position for Leinster's 36-11 defeat of Racing-Métro at the weekend. Heaslip could be in contention for selection in time for Ireland's second Six Nations match against France.

Heaslip is also understood to be attending a consultant in the UK today.

Ireland have a long break between their second and third Six Nations games. Their clash with Scotland at Murrayfield is not due to take place until Sunday, 27 February.

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