Dave Kilcoyne joins Ireland squad

Munster’s Dave Kilcoyne has joined the Ireland squad as cover for Cian Healy who is battling a shoulder injury ahead of the series decider against Australia.

The sides meet on Saturday in Sydney with the series tied at 1-1 and whoever wins the final Test will surely be seen as the number two side in the world behind the All Blacks.

Ireland forwards coach Simon Easterby confirmed the news, saying that although Kilcoyne wasn’t officially named in the touring squad, he would be available for Saturday’s crunch match.

“He has been in for just today. He’s not been made officially part of the squad. He was travelling.

“He’s not been officially named in the touring party, but he is available as he’s Irish-qualified,” said Easterby with a wry grin of the 22-times capped Kilcoyne.

Meanwhile, Healy is on course to play having trained on Tuesday, however there were still concerns over Dan Leavy (hamstring) and Andrew Conway (hip).

“Cian trained, Dan we managed a bit but he did some stuff. Andrew is still carrying quite a nasty hip pointer but the way they’ve presented themselves 48 hours post-game is very encouraging. We’re pretty happy with the availability of training today but also the way the players have shown up today and even the guys that have carried some serious bumps from the weekend are looking far better than expected.

“No one is ruled out yet,” said Easterby, who confirmed that Ireland will not be going into the third Test with the same matchday 23.

“I think there will be some changes, whether that’s the starting team or the bench. There’s always going to be an opportunity through a three-Test series, not only through injury but also through our need to try and get some exposure for some of the more inexperienced players on a tour like this.

“We’re not that far out from a World Cup and this has been a great tour for us to get to know players who we’re maybe not that familiar with and get some game time and training time with those players.”