Joe Schmidt handed major fitness boost ahead of the World Cup

Ireland's preparations for the Rugby World Cup have been a little mixed as confidence-building victories over Wales and Scotland were followed by question-raising defeats to Wales and England.

But with five days to go to the World Cup opener against Canada in Cardiff Joe Schmidt have received a boost as Cian Healy was given a clean bill of health and is available for selection in the Millennium Stadium. Healy missed all four warm-up matches as he continued his recovery from neck surgery in May and it was initially felt that the Leinster man may only be able to contribute from the bench in the opening three games as he targets the match against France on October 11 as a fixture where he would be able to start. Joe Schmidt may well decide to ease Healy back into the fray, but after two full weeks training the prop is available for selection from the start for the opener in Cardiff if needs be.