The shoulder injury sustained by Rob Kearney against Treviso looks to have cost him dearly.
The Leinster fullback shipped a big blow, early in the second half of his side’s Guinness PRO14 victory over the Italians. Hooker Epalahame Faiva heaved in from the side to fell Kearney after he had made his third significant carry of the game.
He received treatment on the pitch before being replaced by Conor O’Brien. On commentary duty for eir Sport, on the day, former Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan observed:
Credit: eir Sport“That’s not good news for Joe Schmidt.”
Rob Kearney was excused from the Chicago trip, for the Italy game, along with several other senior stars. Most of those experienced players will be back in the starting XV for this Saturday’s Guinness Series clash with Argentina, but Kearney may miss out.
The Cooley native sat out Tuesday training at Carton House and Joe Schmidt is unlikely to risk him, especially if there is a chance he could still feature against the All Blacks.
Conor Murray noted, in an interview on Baz & Andrew’s House of Rugby recently, how the current Ireland squad is primed for occasions when senior players are forced out. The transition of players stepping in for others, he says, is seamless.
Schmidt will hope those comments ring true this weekend, and he has three options for take that No.15 jersey.
Jordan Larmour seems the best placed for another run-out at fullback after his scintillating performance against Italy at the weekend. The 21-year-old set up a try for Luke McGrath, handled high balls well, and blazed in a second half hat-trick.
Next up is Munster’s Andrew Conway, who played on the right wing against Italy but who has frequently donned the 15 jersey for his province. Conway has two starts at fullback for Ireland, against Japan and Fiji, in 2017.
The dark horse is Ulster’s Will Addison, who has started superbly at the northern province since his move from Sale Sharks. Addison can cover several spots across the backline but, interestingly, he came on for his Test debut against Italy at fullback. He replaced Jacob Stockdale but Larmour switched to the left wing to accommodate Addison.
OUR PICK: Jordan Larmour
Schmidt will announce his Ireland team to face Argentina on Thursday afternoon, ahead of Saturday’s match against Los Pumas.
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