Rory Keane reports from the Millennium Stadium
JOE SCHMIDT WILL be “crossing his fingers” over Tommy O’Donnell after the Munster flanker left the field with a hip injury during his side’s 35-21 victory against Wales.
Andrew Trimble was also forced off late in the first half with a foot sprain but the Ireland coach is confident that the Ulster winger’s injury is not too serious.
O’Donnell was carried of the pitch on a stretcher late in the contest during Ireland’s rout at the Millennium Stadium.
“Tommy’s gone to the hospital to get a scan,” said Schmidt on the Ireland openside’s injury.
“At the moment, we know he’s hurt his hip but we don’t know what the injury is and we’ll know more about that in the next 24-48 hours.
The frustrating thing for Tommy is I think he made 14 or 15 tackles, he got at least three, maybe four or five turnovers. As he fatigued, he probably picked up a couple of those penalties that I’ve talked about as well.
“I thought he started the game really strongly. He’s such a dynamic player for us. We just have to cross our fingers and wait and see to be honest.”
Trimble was forced off in the 34th minute following a monstrous shift.
Ireland’s 2014 player of the year had only just returned to action having not played since sustaining a toe injury against Glasgow last October.
Having gifted Keith Earls a try on a plate thanks to a bone-shuddering hit on Eli Walker – the 30-year-old was then forced to cry off just before the interval.
“I think he’s got a very mild foot sprain to be honest,” Schmidt explained.
The plan was probably only to give Andrew 40 minutes anyway. He hasn’t played in a very long time.
“I don’t think it’s anything to be concerned about, but we’ll know more in the 24-48 hours.
“But we’d be pretty confident that the injury won’t keep him off the pitch for very long.”
