D’Arcy And Heaslip Sidelined For Third Test

Share this post
Following the second Test against New Zealand, the Ireland squad and management transferred to Queenstown to prepare for the final match of the series in Hamilton next Saturday.

In addition to the normal bumps and bruises from the game, there were several players who required further medical assessment.

Both captain Brian O’Driscoll and Mike Ross went for precautionary X-rays on facial injuries sustained in the 22-19 defeat. The X-rays were clear and neither player has been ruled out of contention for selection next weekend.

Gordon D’Arcy left the pitch in the second half due to injury and following a scan, it revealed a calf strain and he will be unavailable for the final Test of the summer tour.

D’Arcy will return home and Ulster centre Paddy Wallace has been brought into the squad as cover. He will arrive in New Zealand on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, number 8 Jamie Heaslip picked up a finger injury and was also X-rayed after the game, showing a fracture to his right index finger.

This will rule him out of the third clash with the All Blacks, but with the options available within the squad no replacement has been called for.