Positive News For Best; Flannery To Start

Following further tests carried out on Ireland prop Simon Best, specialists have been able to rule out any neurological problems as the cause of his symptoms. Meanwhile, hooker Jerry Flannery has been passed fit to start Sunday’s Pool D showdown with Argentina.

Specialists now believe that Simon Best’s symptoms are related to a cardiac issue but an exact diagnosis of the problem has yet to be determined.

Simon is comfortable and all his symptoms have resolved and he has been joined by his wife Katie who arrived in Bordeaux this afternoon. He will remain in hospital for further tests and it is hoped that he will be able to return home to Ireland in the next 24 to 48 hours.

Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan said: “This is very positive news for Simon and we will all continue to monitor his progress carefully. The care he has received so far has been excellent and the team doctor, Dr. Gary O’Driscoll, has been with him throughout this.”

In further team news, both Jerry Flannery and Rory Best came through fitness tests during this afternoon’s training session at Stade Bordelais. Flannery has been named to start at hooker, with Rory Best being named amongst the replacements.

O’Sullivan continued: “We have named Rory Best on the bench for this weekend and while we did consider his brother Simon’s condition when making that decision, Rory is an incredibly mentally tough individual and was adamant that he wanted to be considered for selection. We have no doubts that he will be ready if called upon.”

IRELAND TEAM & REPLACEMENTS (v Argentina, Parc des Princes, Sunday, September 30, 4pm Irish time/5pm local time):

15 – Geordan Murphy (Leicester)
14 – Shane Horgan (Boyne/Leinster)
13 – Brian O’Driscoll (UCD/Leinster) (captain)
12 – Gordon D’Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster)
11 – Denis Hickie (St. Mary’s College/Leinster)
10 – Ronan O’Gara (Cork Constitution/Munster)
9 – Eoin Reddan (Wasps)
1 – Marcus Horan (Shannon/Munster)
2 – Jerry Flannery (Shannon/Munster)
3 – John Hayes (Bruff/Munster)
4 – Donncha O’Callaghan (Cork Constitution/Munster)
5 – Paul O’Connell (Young Munster/Munster)
6 – Simon Easterby (Llanelli)
7 – David Wallace (Garryowen/Munster)
8 – Denis Leamy (Cork Constitution/Munster)

Replacements:

16 – Rory Best (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
17 – Bryan Young (Ballymena/Ulster)
18 – Malcolm O’Kelly (St. Mary’s College/Leinster)
19 – Neil Best (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
20 – Isaac Boss (Ballymena/Ulster)
21 – Paddy Wallace (Ballymena/Ulster)
22 – Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster)

Not considered due to injury:

Girvan Dempsey (shoulder) (Terenure College/Leinster)