Murray Kinsella reports from Wellington
ROBBIE HENSHAW UNDERWENT a scan on his shoulder injury in Wellington today and although the Lions are waiting on the final results of that procedure, it appears the Ireland and Leinster centre’s tour is over.
The 24-year-old was injured tackling Vaea Fifita in the 17th minute of Tuesday’s draw with the Hurricanes and was replaced by Leigh Halfpenny soon after.
Henshaw appeared to be in major discomfort as he exited the pitch and his dejection was clear.
Speaking immediately after the game, Lions boss Warren Gatland said the outlook was not good for Henshaw.
“He doesn’t look great at the moment, he’s in a bit of a sling with a shoulder. I think there’s a good chance his tour could be over. I think we’ve got enough cover within the squad at this stage not to have to replace him, if that’s the case.”
That outlook has not improved for Henshaw today and with the Lions likely to make an announcement on him in the next 24 hours after the final results of his scan are delivered, it will mark a disappointing end to the tour for the Athlone man.
Henshaw has not been able to show his true quality for the Lions, having been part of the midweek side in New Zealand.
There had been an expectation that he could push for a Test spot against the All Blacks, but in the end Henshaw was behind Ben Te’o and Jonathan Davies in the pecking order.
Henshaw’s youth means that he will likely be in the mix again in four years’ time, while Leinster and Ireland will hope that his shoulder issue does not eat into the start of next season.
Meanwhile, the Lions have some major selection decisions to firm up ahead of the second Test against the All Blacks.
Tour captain Sam Warburton is expected to come into the starting XV, with first Test captain Peter O’Mahony missing out, while Maro Itoje is set to start in the second row.
The Lions will officially announce their match day 23 for the second Test at 1.30am Irish time on Thursday.
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