Rugby:A question mark continues to hang over Brian O'Driscoll's availability for the start of the autumn international series against South Africa as he recovers from what is proving to be a troublesome hamstring injury.
O’Driscoll pulled the muscle against Racing Metro three weeks ago, and while it was suggested at the time he could have been fit to play just seven days later, those predictions have proved to be wildly optimistic.
In fact, the Ireland skipper has not even completed a training session in the interim and was a frustrated spectator once more when the Irish squad were put through their paces in Limerick this morning.
He was joined on the sidelines by his potential midfield partner, Keith Earls, with the Irish management explaining afterwards that neither player is expected to resume full contact work until the start of next week.
While it is still too early to rule either player out, given that Ireland don’t meet the Springboks until Saturday week, the news prompted obvious fears over their involvement for the series curtain raiser.
Not that Ireland coach Declan Kidney was overly concerned when he spoke to the media today, with the Ireland coach preparing to play with whatever cards he is dealt.
“You don’t fuss about it, you just get on with it,” Kidney said. “This is always a time of year when resources are going to be stretched.”
Gordon D’Arcy and Rory Best also sat out training today, although both are expected to be back in the thick of things before the squad disperse on Friday afternoon.
In all, Kidney will release eight players for this weekend’s round of Magners Lague matches although few, if any of that number, are expected to start the following Saturday at the Aviva Stadium.
Munster will have John Hayes, Peter Stringer and Johne Murphy back for the visit of Ulster while Connacht coach Eric Elwood can welcome back Brett Wilkinson, John Muldoon and Gavin Duffy.
Leinster coach Joe Schmidt, who admitted yesterday he was in the dark as to Kidney’s plans, will not have Jonathan Sexton available as hoped for the match against Edinburgh but can call upon Shane Horgan and Isaac Boss.
Meanwhile, Ruan Pienaar and BJ Botha, who are both likely to be involved in Dublin 4 on Saturday week, could both line out for Ulster against Munster after they were included in Brian McLaughlin’s squad today.
South African coach Peter de Villiers won’t announce his travelling party until after Saturday’s Currie Cup but is expected to include a number of European based ex-pats.
With a lengthy injury list - Heinrich Brussow, Fourie du Preez, Andries Bekker, John Smit, Gurthro Steenkamp, Jaque Fourie and Wynand Olivier are all ruled out - de Villiers named 10 uncapped players in his training squad last weekend but is expected to revert to his tried and tested when he finalises his panel at the weekend.