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Henshaw to take 'limited part' in training as Sexton picks up hip injury
By Ian Cameron
Ireland centre Robbie Henshaw is set to take a limited part in Leinster training this week, with the clock ticking on his returning in time for the November Tests.
Henshaw, who starred for the British & Irish Lions during the summer despite a number of niggling injury early in the tour, hasn't played for Leinster since returning from the tour.
The centre started all three Tests for the Lions put is continuing to nurse a foot injury. A Leinster injury update says: "Robbie Henshaw: picked up a foot injury and will be unavailable for selection this week but will take a limited part in training this week as the medics continue to monitor his progress."
Meanwhile Ireland flyhalf Jonny Sexton has picked up a hip injury. The 36-year-old "will have further assessment on a hip injury today and will be further assessed during the week."
The veteran hasn't been ruled out of selection for Leinster's Round 5 United Rugby Championship clash with Glasgow Warriors on Friday in Scotstoun Stadium.
James Ryan, who featured in Leinster's hammering of the Scarlets at the RDS over the weekend, is facing return to play protocols after picking up a concussive injury. The secondrow was a surprise omission from the Lion tour, but did captain Ireland during their summer game against the USA.
Henshaw's loss for the November tests would be a significant blow for Andy Farrell's team.
The 28-year-old made his international debut against the USA in the summer of 2013 and has gone on to win 52 caps to date for Ireland. He started every game of the 2015 6 Nations Championship and played in the opening two games of the 2018 Grand Slam success before injury curtailed his involvement. He returned to the Irish midfield to start all three of the summer tests against Australia.
The Athlone native played his part in securing a first victory over the Springbok on South African soil in 2016 and scored the decisive final try in the win over New Zealand at Soldier Field.
He represented Ireland at the 2015 Rugby World Cup playing the pool games against Italy, and France and the quarter-final against Argentina. Robbie toured with the 2017 British and Irish Lions making four appearances.
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Latest Comments
Ireland have every right to back themselves for a win. But the key variable has little to do with recent record etc.
The reality is that Ireland are a settled team with tons of continuity, an established style, and a good depth chart, whereas NZ are fundamentally rebuilding. The questions are all about what Razor is doing and how far along he is in that program.
NZ are very close to really clicking. Against England all of the chatter is about how England could have closed out a win, but failed to do so. This has obscured the observation that NZ were by far the more creative and effective in attack, beyond the 3-1 try differential and disallowed tries. They gave away a lot of unnecessary penalties, and made many simple errors (including knock-ons and loose kicks). Those things are very fixable, and when they do so we are once again going to be staring at a formidable NZ team.
Last week we heard the England fans talking confidently about their chances against NZ, but England did not end up looking like the better team on the field or the scoreboard. The England defense was impressive enough, but still could not stop the tries.
Ireland certainly has a better chance, of course, but NZ is improving fast, and I would not be surprised at a convincing All Black win this week. It may turn on whether NZ can cut out the simple mistakes.
Go to commentsFair to say that NZ have come to respect Ireland, as have all teams. But it's a bit click-baitey to say that the game is the premier show-down for NZ.
SA has beaten NZ four times in a row, including in the RWC final.
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