Rugby:Ireland hooker Rory Best has been passed fit for tomorrow's World Cup quarter-final against Wales at the Wellington Regional Stadium (6am Irish time). Best was included in the starting line-up named on Wednesday, but has been receiving intensive treatment on the shoulder injury sustained during Sunday's victory over Italy.
Best sprained the AC joint on his right shoulder at Otago Stadium and was locked in a race against time to prove his fitness for Ireland's attempt to reach the semi-finals for the first time.
"Rory's come up great and is fine to start the game," said defence coach Les Kiss."We obviously had some precautions in place ready to cover him if he failed to pull through, but he's in tip-top shape so full credit to him and the medics.”
Best's outstanding form as part of a highly-impressive Ireland front row compelled coach Declan Kidney to do everything possible to ensure his inclusion. His recovery contributed to an air of jovial calm today with Jamie Heaslip suggesting none were more pleased to have the 29-year-old fit and firing than prop Mike Ross.
"I think Rossy's (Mike Ross) got a man-crush on him up in the front row," quipped Heaslip, with the tighthead prop sitting next to him at the team's media conference.
Heaslip went on from there. After the prop was asked about the support the team had received in New Zealand, the number eight retorted: "You're saying Ross has an individual fan base?"
The 27-year old also laughed when another journalist asked as to how much the prize pool was now worth for the amount of times the team said "ding-dong battle" in their media conferences.
"It's a 'ding-dong battle'. 'Declan (Kidney) for president' and 'miaow'. So I hope you get all those in there," added Heaslip, detailing the set phrases the team had agreed to try to work into their answers at media events.
Heaslip may have been in a jocular mood, but he, Ross and Kiss all said they were well aware of the challenge they faced from a Wales side that had impressed with their high-tempo style of game and attack-minded backline.
"We are really taking this in a serious manner," said Kiss. "We may have been a little bit jovial up here, but this is serious and Wales have a lot at stake as well.
"We have played each other so much in recent times so it is reasonable to say it is 50-50 (on who would win).
"There will be some critical pressure moments in the match and ... we need to be there or there abouts in the last 20 minutes and (I think) that will sort it out.
"But as I have said before, it will be a ding-dong battle."
