You’d think it would be the abrasive forwards or zippy backline runners picking up the injuries, but in the Ireland World Cup squad it is the centres.
Robbie Henshaw is the only member of Joe Schmidt’s 31-man squad not to get any game time in the victories over Canada and Romania due to a hamstring problem, and now his first-choice midfield partner Jared Payne has emerged as a doubt for Sunday’s meeting with Italy.
Full-back Rob Kearney is also a doubt as he continues to rehabilitate a glute muscle injury, but Payne’s bruised foot is a fresh concern.
The Kiwi-born Ulster centre has been the subject of some criticism this week after his performance against Romania, but he was still favourite to start at 13 in the Olympic Stadium.
When fit, Joe Schmidt has selected the 29 year old in every major Test since his debut against South Africa last November, but may now have to consider playing Luke Fitzgerald, Keith Earls or Darren Cave at outside centre against the Azzurri in their third Pool D match.
Scrum coach Greg Feek revealed Payne did not train in Guildford today due to a bruised foot.
“He’s got a bit of a bruise, so he didn’t train. We’ll see how he goes over the rest of the week and then maybe,” said Feek, who said the majority of the squad, including Kearney, trained as normal.
However Kearney’s participation depends very much on how his injury reacts, but Schmidt may not be inclined to risk losing him for the France clash a week on Sunday.
“He trained, it’s just a matter of how he comes up from that. So, normally you like to give him a run and they assess that to see if they wake up sore,” said Feek.
“Most of the guys got out and trained. We’ll see how they come up. If guys have had niggles they get through this afternoon and then get assessed in the morning. Then, selection is from there.
“Rob ran around and a few other guys are looking good too. So fingers crossed for the rest of the week that we can go in to Italy with a full squad to choose from.”
Update:
Things might be looking good for Rob Kearney but according to Newstalk’s Nathan Murphy it seems that Jared Payne is now major doubt for the game on Sunday.
According to the broadcaster, speaking on tonight’s Off the Ball, Payne was spotted today on crutches and looks almost certain not to feature against our Six-Nations rivals at the Olympic Park this weekend.
Jaryd Payne on crutches this evening #RWC2015
— Thomas Mc Cabe (@thomas_mccabe1) September 30, 2015
