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Ireland could be forced deep into reserves with latest injury
By PA
Ireland prop Tom O’Toole has been ruled out of Friday evening’s match against Argentina in Dublin.
The 26-year-old suffered a head injury shortly after coming on to replace Finlay Bealham during the 23-13 defeat to New Zealand.
Tighthead prop Tadhg Furlong trained on Monday and maybe fit to feature against Los Pumas, having missed his side’s Autumn Nations Series opener due to a hamstring strain.
Uncapped Leinster forward Thomas Clarkson, who is one of five training panellists in Andy Farrell’s autumn squad, could provide backup for Bealham, if Furlong is unavailable.
Ireland have no other fresh selection concerns and have opted against adding additional players to the group.
Friday’s underwhelming loss to the All Blacks was only a second home defeat under head coach Farrell and ended the Six Nations champions’ 19-game winning run at the Aviva Stadium.
Ireland’s head of athletic performance Aled Walters is confident players will deliver a positive response this week following some “home truths”.
“I think it’s natural that there’s a bit of hurt but there’s no anger,” Walters, who recently left England to join Farrell’s staff, told reporters on Monday.
“It’s a group that doesn’t seem to be used to losing.
“It’s probably an environment that’s been immediately down in the changing room (post-match) but as I understand, Faz (Farrell) is pretty good at getting things back on track pretty quickly, and the coaches and leaders the same. They were pretty good today.
“It’s such a good group to reflect and be honest, home truths were definitely the case and no one has shied away from it.
“I’ve probably heard more voices in meetings this week than I had in my first two weeks. Everyone is pretty intent on correcting a few things.”
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Latest Comments
The comment by Young’s is at best condescending. I cannot believe how patronizing and belittling the NH media and players often are to the SH sides and players. Crikey, they act as if they rule the skies in rugger. The only time all sides are equal, have all players available, and have decent time to prep is the WC. Would be interesting to take last 20 odd years and see which hemisphere sides make say the semi finals. Don’t be patronizing- Aussie are going through a tough period, but they will be back.
Go to commentsThey already have a great fullback in Tom Wright.
It took Ioane 12 months to become a very good defender at centre, and by the sounds of it JAS is a very fast learner.
I love that Schmidt is making a game plan around the talent he has and the skills that Australian Rugby players have with their exposure to league and AFL, rather than trying to craft them into a copy paste of current teams. That is Australian rugby's DNA, and it is how they can become a good team again. I think that's why they didn't get the best out of someone like Petaia, and why someone like Ikitau is starting to look world class. Angus Bell another great example, everything about him screams State of Origin, the number on his back shouldn't prevent him from being their go to ball carrier.
The more they leagueify and AFLify their game the harder they will be to compete with. It's like South Africa returning to set piece dominance. The glove fits.
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