IRELAND WING MACK Hansen has come through his team’s captain’s run at Stade de France without any issues ahead of tomorrow’s World Cup quarter-final against New Zealand.
The Connacht man’s right calf was heavily strapped but he sprinted flat out and was side-stepping as Ireland went through their final training run. Assistant coach Mike Catt has now confirmed that Hansen came through the training session without any setbacks.
“Yeah, everybody is fit,” said Catt. “Mack (is) looking sprightly as ever. Yeah, he’s gone well.”
Catt confirmed that the heavy strapping is not restrictive for Hansen.
“He is all good to run freely.”
Hansen suffered the injury in last weekend’s win over Scotland and was replaced before half time. However, Ireland boss Andy Farrell named Hansen in his starting XV for the All Blacks clash on Wednesday and said he was confident Hansen would be fit.
Hansen was the centre of attention as he arrived onto the pitch in Paris this morning and he appeared to be moving well once the team had warmed up. Catt said Hansen is now good to go for tomorrow night.
Second row James Ryan is back with the Ireland squad having returned home to Dublin earlier this week for specialist treatment of the wrist injury he suffered against the Scots.
Catt confirmed that Ryan underwent a procedure to remedy the wrist injury but Ireland expect the second row to be available if they reach the semi-finals next weekend.
Ryan was togged out today and did some running, but he stepped out of the captain’s run for passing drills as he continues to recover. Ryan is now wearing heavy strapping on both of his wrists, having taken a knock to his other wrist in the win over South Africa.
Robbie Henshaw, who has been dealing with a hamstring injury recently, was part of the captain’s run, although Keith Earls watched on from the sideline as he continues to rehab his own hamstring issue.
“James is doing really well,” said Catt.
“As you saw Robbie Henshaw and James were obviously out there at training this morning. They are progressing really nicely, so they will be available for next week.”