Henshaw And Murray Ruled Out Of Rest Of GUINNESS Series
The Ireland squad will train today at their team base in Maynooth, Co. Kildare. A couple of players will be managed in training today following a physical encounter will Argentina, while Conor Murray and Robbie Henshaw have been ruled out of the remaining GUINNESS Series games.
Following the 28-17 victory over the Pumas at the Aviva Stadium, the Ireland management have said that a couple of players will be managed in training today, but all are expected to train fully on Tuesday and Thursday ahead of next Saturday’s showdown with New Zealand (kick-off 7pm).
Robbie Henshaw’s hamstring issue, which saw him replaced at outside centre by versatile Ulster back Will Addison just prior to kick-off on Saturday, will rule him out of the remainder of the GUINNESS Series.
Meanwhile, scrum half Conor Murray is accelerating through his recovery but will not join the squad during the GUINNESS Series window. His absence leaves Kieran Marmion, Luke McGrath and John Cooney battling it out to wear the number 9 jersey against the All Blacks.
Speaking at the Ireland team base in Maynooth today, out-half Jonathan Sexton said: “Robbie’s been a big part of the team over the last number of years and has bounced back from a number of injuries. Remember how he bounced back for Leinster with that incredible performance in the semi-final against Scarlets after been out for so long?
“I’m sure he will bounce back quickly again but he is a loss for us this week. He’s a loss for a lot of teams in the world and he’ll be a loss for us this week. But the guys that are available will do a great job, I’m sure.
“I obviously stayed in touch with Conor a lot over the injury to see how he has been getting on and all the time (he’s been) improving but I suppose he’s just trying to make sure he can get it right from now and not be an issue going forward. It’s probably a smart thing.
“It’s a big ask. If you’re out for a few weeks and you’re asked to play the All Blacks, that’s tough enough. But if you’re out for the period of time he has been out for, it would be a big step up. Hopefully, we’ll see him back soon. He’s a world class player and the three guys behind him (in this squad) are chasing him but I think they did well at the weekend, Marms (Kieran Marmion) and Luke (McGrath).
“They’ll be better for that experience as well. I think the more time you spend in the environment in here (Ireland camp), the more comfortable you get and the better you get. I’m sure those guys will go a step ahead again this week.”