O'Sullivan to make final decision tomorrow
Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan will decide who will start at hooker for Sunday’s group finale against Argentina in the next 24 hours.
Rory Best’s recovery from the dislocated thumb he suffered against Georgia has progressed ahead of schedule and the Ulster front row could be given the all clear.
Munster’s Jerry Flannery, who deputised in the 25-3 defeat by France, incurred a shoulder ’stinger’ during yesterday’s open training but is also expected to be available.
O’Sullivan said: “Rory has been carrying an injury which he has almost recovered from.
“We’ll know in the next 24 hours if he is ready. Jerry should be okay as well - he picked up a stinger which is not unusual in contact sessions.
“We’re waiting for clarification on their situations. We’re optimistic they will both be available but I don’t want to make my mind up until I have all the facts.”
Munster fly-half Ronan O’Gara has missed training for the last two days because of a calf injury but O’Sullivan revealed he will be ready for Sunday.
O’Sullivan said: “Ronan picked up a nasty bruise on his leg. It’s bony bruising and he’ll be fine.
“It’s sore but he’s making good progress and we’ve kept him off the last few days to give him a chance. I’m not worried about him at all.”
In one of just two changes to the side demolished by France, Denis Hickie has replaced Andrew Trimble on the left wing with the Ulster back dropping to the bench.
Hickie will probably be playing his last match following his decision to retire from all rugby after the World Cup.
O’Sullivan said: “Last week I went with Andrew on the basis that I wanted him to do certain things.
“I’m bringing Denis in because of the dynamic of the game against Argentina.
“There’s good logic behind it. Andrew can come in and play an impact role, which he’s very capable of.”
O’Sullivan was expected to take more drastic action at today’s team announcement in response to a shambolic World Cup but once again left changes to a minimum.
He said: “I’m happy enough with the back five and believe sticking with them is the best option
“The line-out didn’t fire but France caused us a lot of problems. Most of the ball we did win was hard-fought. For that reason we did look at the line-out.
“There are always trade offs in these situations – we could have brought Alan Quinlan into the team, but that changes the dyanmic of the back row.”
