Ireland coach offers mixed injury news as Scotland clash is ‘too soon’ for duo while pair ‘look good’ in training
Tadhg Furlong and Joe McCarthy will not play against Scotland
Ireland duo Tadhg Furlong and Joe McCarthy will play no part in their Six Nations clash with Scotland, scrum coach John Fogarty has confirmed.
The Leinster pair both missed the 27-22 victory over England through injury, and they are now set for a further weekend on the physio table.
However, there is more promising news on Connacht duo Finlay Bealham and Mack Hansen.
Ireland coach offers injury update ahead of Scotland Six Nations clash
Speaking on Leinster duo McCarthy and Furlong, Fogarty said: “The game will come too soon for them.”
This is obviously a big blow to the Ireland pack, given the quality of the pair, but it should mean interim head coach Simon Easterby picks a fairly similar starting eight to the one he used against England.
With McCarthy still out, it will likely mean Tadhg Beirne stays at lock, with Ryan Baird occupying the number six shirt. Iain Henderson will also likely keep his spot on the bench too, and Cormack Izuchukwu is a possible option as well.
There was also plenty of debate around the starting tighthead spot this weekend, given both Furlong and Bealham had question marks looming over them. Furlong’s injury news would have left a gaping hole in that position too, however, Fogarty has confirmed Bealham – and fellow Connacht man Hansen – will both be fit to feature this weekend.
“They (Bealham and Hansen) trained just now, it looks positive for both of them,” said Fogarty. “They took part in the full session and should be ready.”
He added: “They looked good today, they both trained.”
With Bealham deemed fit, he should retain his starting spot in the Ireland front-row alongside Andrew Porter. Tom Clarkson will also likely be the replacement tighthead on the bench once again. Hooker is more of a dilemma, given the brilliant cameo of Dan Sheehan from the bench, but both him and Ronan Kelleher will likely be in the 23.
Looking into the backline, Hansen’s return to fitness will again likely result in him being named on the right wing. Calvin Nash could still suit up in that spot too.
