IRELAND COACH JOE Schmidt says Keith Earls is a doubt for next weekend’s visit to France for the second round of the Six Nations.
Earls was excellent for Ireland in Dublin. Dan Sheridan / INPHO
Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO
The Munster wing was replaced by Dave Kearney in the second half of Ireland’s 16-16 draw with Wales in Dublin, departing for a Head Injury Assessment and failing to return to the pitch.
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“Keith, I think he has probably suffered a concussion,” said Schmidt post-match at the Aviva Stadium.
At this stage I don’t know the full story. I think he passed his HIA but he may have staggered and therefore he would be considered to have had a concussive impact. That would certainly put him in doubt for next weekend.”
More positively, Schmidt reported that openside flanker Tommy O’Donnell had passed his HIA after making way for Rhys Ruddock in the second half.
“Tommy O’Donnell passed his HIA and has no ill effects,” said Schmidt. “He could have returned to play but by then Rhys Ruddock had taken the pitch and had probably slotted in and was comfortable. It was a change that we were possibly going to make anyway, so we thought we would leave it at that.”
Sexton received treatment late in the game. Billy Stickland / INPHO
Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO
Johnny Sexton looked to have sustained an injury in the shoulder region late in the game, but still nailed the 40-metre penalty that earned Ireland a draw.
Schmidt stated that his out-half was simply “sore,” as were all of his players after a hugely physical game against Warren Gatland’s side.
Sean O’Brien and Rob Kearney missed the clash with Wales due to hamstring issues, but Schmidt indicated his confidence that both players will be fit and ready to go in Paris on Saturday.
Sean could potentially have got onto the pitch today but we also know that would have been an exacerbative risk,” said Schmidt. “You know you’re going to have to go five games, you hope you can get through without someone who’s one of your leaders on the pitch.
“But I thought the guys who stepped into his position did very well, and Simon Zebo got a good square carry very early on and got just through the line, just got dragged down but got us in behind, and it gave us momentum when we got our way down into the 22.
“There were some very good performances from players who played those positions, but we’d be very confident that both those players will be available for Saturday next week.”
Earls a doubt for France, but Schmidt confident SOB and Kearney will return
IRELAND COACH JOE Schmidt says Keith Earls is a doubt for next weekend’s visit to France for the second round of the Six Nations.
The Munster wing was replaced by Dave Kearney in the second half of Ireland’s 16-16 draw with Wales in Dublin, departing for a Head Injury Assessment and failing to return to the pitch.
“Keith, I think he has probably suffered a concussion,” said Schmidt post-match at the Aviva Stadium.
More positively, Schmidt reported that openside flanker Tommy O’Donnell had passed his HIA after making way for Rhys Ruddock in the second half.
“Tommy O’Donnell passed his HIA and has no ill effects,” said Schmidt. “He could have returned to play but by then Rhys Ruddock had taken the pitch and had probably slotted in and was comfortable. It was a change that we were possibly going to make anyway, so we thought we would leave it at that.”
Johnny Sexton looked to have sustained an injury in the shoulder region late in the game, but still nailed the 40-metre penalty that earned Ireland a draw.
Schmidt stated that his out-half was simply “sore,” as were all of his players after a hugely physical game against Warren Gatland’s side.
Sean O’Brien and Rob Kearney missed the clash with Wales due to hamstring issues, but Schmidt indicated his confidence that both players will be fit and ready to go in Paris on Saturday.
“But I thought the guys who stepped into his position did very well, and Simon Zebo got a good square carry very early on and got just through the line, just got dragged down but got us in behind, and it gave us momentum when we got our way down into the 22.
“There were some very good performances from players who played those positions, but we’d be very confident that both those players will be available for Saturday next week.”
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Six Nations Injury Update Ireland Johnny Sexton Keith Earls Wales Tommy O'Donnell