Rugby:Ireland's hopes of salvaging something from this test series in New Zealand suffered a major blow today with the news that Jamie Heaslip and Gordon D'Arcy have been ruled out of the third and final test against next Saturday after sustaining injuries in the second match on yesterday.
D'Arcy limped off in the second half of the tense 22-19 loss, and was diagnosed with a calf injury. He will return to Ireland later this week with Ulster centre Paddy Wallace called into the side and due to arrive in New Zealand on Tuesday.
Heaslip broke his right index finger during the match, though the team said that they had adequate cover within the squad and would not need to send for a replacement. Captain Brian O'Driscoll and tighthead prop Mike Ross also had X-rays on facial injuries sustained during the match, though the scans were "clear" and both are still in contention for the game at Waikato Stadium.
New Zealand have already taken the three-match series, having won the first test 42-10 in Auckland, before an 80th minute drop-goal from flyhalf Daniel Carter gave them a 22-19 victory at a frigid Rugby League Park on Saturday.
Conrad Smith, meanwhile, believes New Zealand earned their last-gasp win by sticking to the game plan even when the test looked to be slipping away from them. Trailing 16-10 shortly after halftime, Ireland seized the momentum by kicking three penalties and holding down territorial advantage before the All Blacks marched down field in the final three minutes and set up for the drop kick to seal the win.
"We were a bit relieved. We got the feeling they thought they were in the hunt and they really stepped up the way they were playing," Smith said today at the team's hotel. "Last year before the World Cup we talked about it a lot, having nights like that where you're under pressure and the last thing you want to do is ... change your game plan.
"You just stick with what you're doing and even though you know it's not quite coming off, you know it will get you through if you stick together."
Smith said the match had hammered home the intensity of tests and that the experience would help younger players in the squad prepare for the third match. "This was a real test match and it was important to learn (that) and still have a win," he added.
"We could have quite easily lost that game and the lessons would have been learned in a lot harsher way and it would have been a lot tougher week (building up for Hamilton). If we take on board what we did wrong and how we can learn from it, it'll be good for us."
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen had said after the 42-10 win in the first test that sealing the series on Saturday could result in selectors tinkering with the side to give other players a chance to experience the test atmosphere. However, after the Irish performance on Saturday he may eschew that option to ensure the All Blacks do not lose unbeaten streak against Ireland.
He will, however, need to make at least one change with lock Ali Williams set to have knee surgery, while number eight Kieran Read is "day to day" and is being monitored for concussion. Waikato Chiefs flanker Sam Cane replaced Read at halftime and impressed with his combativeness, willingness to carry the ball and ability to free his hands in the tackle and could start at openside flanker with captain Richie McCaw playing number eight if Read is ruled out.
