IRELAND WING MACK Hansen is set to miss the first Test against the All Blacks in Auckland on Saturday after testing positive for Covid-19.
Second row Iain Henderson and hooker Rob Herring have also emerged as injury doubts after picking up knocks in training in New Zealand.
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Both will undergo scans and Ireland boss Andy Farrell has called up Munster hooker Niall Scannell as cover in the meantime.
Connacht wing Hansen has been isolated from the rest of the Ireland squad after his positive Covid test and the hope will be that the virus spreads no further within the group.
The All Blacks have also been hit by Covid, with three coaches and two players now in isolation after returning positive test results. As a result, ex-Ireland boss Joe Schmidt has been drafted into the Kiwis’ coaching staff ahead of the first Test.
With Henderson and Herring both undergoing scans today in Auckland, there are obvious concerns about their possible involvement in the first Test.
Scannell will arrive in New Zealand on Tuesday morning local time to supplement Dan Sheehan and Dave Heffernan at hooker.
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has options in the second row even if Henderson is ruled out. James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne, Kieran Treadwell, Ryan Baird, and the uncapped Joe McCarthy are all on tour.
Farrell is set to name his matchday 23 for Wednesday’s clash against the Maori All Blacks on Monday night Irish time.
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Hansen hit by Covid ahead of first All Blacks Test while Henderson is a doubt
IRELAND WING MACK Hansen is set to miss the first Test against the All Blacks in Auckland on Saturday after testing positive for Covid-19.
Second row Iain Henderson and hooker Rob Herring have also emerged as injury doubts after picking up knocks in training in New Zealand.
Both will undergo scans and Ireland boss Andy Farrell has called up Munster hooker Niall Scannell as cover in the meantime.
Connacht wing Hansen has been isolated from the rest of the Ireland squad after his positive Covid test and the hope will be that the virus spreads no further within the group.
The All Blacks have also been hit by Covid, with three coaches and two players now in isolation after returning positive test results. As a result, ex-Ireland boss Joe Schmidt has been drafted into the Kiwis’ coaching staff ahead of the first Test.
With Henderson and Herring both undergoing scans today in Auckland, there are obvious concerns about their possible involvement in the first Test.
Scannell will arrive in New Zealand on Tuesday morning local time to supplement Dan Sheehan and Dave Heffernan at hooker.
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has options in the second row even if Henderson is ruled out. James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne, Kieran Treadwell, Ryan Baird, and the uncapped Joe McCarthy are all on tour.
Farrell is set to name his matchday 23 for Wednesday’s clash against the Maori All Blacks on Monday night Irish time.
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COVID- Injury Update