Rugby:With serious doubts remaining over Rory Best's fitness, Munster's Mike Sherry has been summoned to New Zealand by the Irish management. Best has not been ruled out of Saturday's quarter-final against Wales – Declan Kidney will name his side in the early hours of tomorrow morning – but Sherry has travelled south as a precautionary measure.

Best responded well to treatment on his shoulder over the last 24 hours after spraining his AC joint during Sunday's 36-6 victory over Italy at Otago Stadium. Ireland are giving the Ulster front row, who has been in outstanding form, every chance to prove his fitness and have yet to rule him out of the World Cup.

"The medical team's worked hard with Rory over the last 24 hours. He's reacted well and we're very pleased with the response," said assistant coach Mark Tainton. "He's not totally ruled out but his chances at the moment are long. He's doubtful for this weekend but has not been ruled out of the competition."

Sherry will not be officially added to the squad unless Best is ruled out of the tournament but with Jerry Flannery already back in Ireland with a calf injury, the Irish backroom team have acted swiftly to provide extra cover. Sean Cronin is likely to start in Wellington this weekend with Damien Varley providing cover on the bench.

"Rory Best is still progressing with his rehabilitation and while he is still rated doubtful for Wales, we felt it prudent to bring Mike down to New Zealand as precautionary cover," added manager Paul McNaughton. "We expect Mike to arrive in New Zealand on Thursday."