Another injury blow: Fergus McFadden
Ireland back Fergus McFadden has been ruled out of Saturday's Six Nations clash against Italy with rib damage.
Ireland's injury woes continue unabated as Leinster centre McFadden, who started on the wing against France in Dublin, joins Eoin Reddan (broken leg) on the sidelines.
The Irish camp are hopeful that Jonathan Sexton and Craig Gilroy could return for the trip to Rome but Brian O'Driscoll (dead leg), Luke Marshall (concussion), Donnacha Ryan (shoulder) are doubts.
Conor Murray (knee) and Peter O'Mahony (dead leg) were also injured in last Saturday's 13-13 draw but both are expected to be fit for Ireland's final game of the Championship.
Ulster scrum-half Paul Marshall is the likely replacement for Reddan.
Ireland's campaign had been plagued by injury from the outset but head coach Declan Kidney insists on maintaining a positive frame of mind.
"We took a conscious decision that we would not complain about things," he said.
"Other people are worse off than we are, plus it is such an insult to the lads coming on and having a huge go.
"We are frustrated, but there are lads coming in who have no experience at this level under their belts and are doing such a good job for us.
"On any given day Paul O'Connell, Tommy Bowe, Stephen Ferris and Jonathan Sexton would be in the running for a Lions spot.
"I have never experienced an injury run like this, but you work your way through and I spoke to Jamie Heaslip about it and we agreed not (to) complain."
Comments
Lucasrg says...
@carpelone
I would go anyway as this is going to be possible for Italy. I was yesterday at Twickers and it was really worth to watch Italy.
@ironman441
I did horrible this year in my fantasy rugby. but I hope BOD can make it for the value of the spectacle..
Posted 15:18 11th March 2013
spike19 says...
Jesus, what an absolute disaster of a championship, too many injuries but also some strange decisions regarding 10 and use of the bench.
These days its a 23 player game and a strong bench is key to closing out games. Ireland in their last 5 games have struggled in the second half with players on the field tiring and the bench unable to make a significant impact.
England, Wales and France all get great impact from their benches its something that Ireland need to focus a bit more on.
I think the blooding of young players is probably the only positive to come out of this 6 nations. For the Italy game I'd like to see Henderson get a run at 6 and leave O'Mahony to come off the bench as he needs a rest or he's gonna get injured.
Posted 14:31 11th March 2013
ironmanI441 says...
Please BOD play! I need the points for my fantasy team.
Posted 14:06 11th March 2013
carpelone says...
I am also doubtful for the clash at the Stadio Olimpico, since I have not decided yet. I would not go alone and I am checking the availability of my SA's pals.
If I go, I want to see BOD on the pitch and pay him tribute.
Posted 11:33 11th March 2013