Advertisement
Dan Sheridan/INPHO
jogging johnny

Ireland 'quietly confident' as Sexton gets up and running

However, Keith Earls sat out today’s session and will have to prove his fitness on Friday.

Sean Farrell reports from Cardiff

IRELAND’S COACHING STAFF remain positive about the prospect that Jonathan Sexton may be fit for this weekend’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final against Argentina.

The number 10 suffered a groin injury in the first half of Sunday’s 24 – 9 win over France, but scans on the problem have given Ireland’s medical team no reason to believe he could not resume running today.

“Johnny did about three and a half kilometers running,” scrum coach Greg Feek told a packed Ireland press room today.

“That’s a positive so we’re quietly confident. We’ll see how he goes again on Friday.”

Ireland players have their day off from training tomorrow, so Friday’s session will be the last real chance for head coach Joe Schmidt to assess the fitness of his 30-man squad.

Keith Earls and Les Kiss Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

The Kiwi will have to make a call on Keith Earls too after the Munster centre sat out training again today. Earls could be seen icing an arm injury after he was replaced in the the Millennium Stadium.

“We’re just going to see how he goes. We’re looking after him a bit and it’s not too bad so we’ll see how he goes on Friday as well.

“He’s just a bit battered. It’s nothing too major. It’s just, at this stage, you want to do the best you can to get everyone fit and available.”

Feek reported no other fitness concerns aside from the Leinster out-half and the Munster flier.

Small print to be read on O’Brien decision, but Ireland unlikely to appeal

Analysis: Robbie Henshaw dominates midfield to lead for Ireland

5 times Ireland v Argentina was too much to handle

Your Voice
Readers Comments
38
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.