Six Nations:Scrumhalf Peter Stringer has been called into the Ireland camp in Dublin to act as cover for Tomás O'Leary, who is still struggling to overcome a back injury ahead of Sunday's Six Nations game against Scotland.
O'Leary has continued to feel the effects of a back spasm that troubled him during the Ireland’s preparations for their game against France. O'Leary came through the game but has been unable to fully shake off the injury following treatment after the narrow defeat in Dublin.
Stringer, who acted as cover for O'Leary before the last round, will remain with the squad until the medical team are happy the latter is fit enough to play. He has been given another 24 hours to see if the symptoms clear up.
Stringer could be considered unfortunate to have originally been overlooked by coach Declan Kidney, who yesterday added eight other players to the 22-man match-day squad on duty against France.
Up to now, O’Leary’s form and service has attracted plenty of debate in the fall-out from the French defeat. Kidney clearly favours him if fit, however, and Eoin Reddan would likely get the nod from the bench if not.
Stringer enjoyed another impressive performance in Munster’s win over Edinburgh in the Magners League last Friday. As with Ronan O’Gara, the 95-time capped scrumhalf would add experience as well as variety from the bench.
The team and replacements for Sunday’s game away to Scotland will be announced tomorrow.
