Ireland could be boosted by the return of tighthead props Tadhg Furlong and Tom O’Toole for this weekend’s clash with Fiji at the Aviva Stadium.
Furlong has been out of action since a hamstring injury picked up in Ireland training, while O’Toole also missed last weekend’s 22-19 win over Argentina.
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Speaking to the media ahead of the game, Ireland scrum coach John Fogarty confirmed the tighthead duo are back up and running, saying: “The two boys (Furlong and O’Toole) are back in and training. Hopefully, they get through the week.”
Commenting specifically on Furlong, Fogarty pointed out how the Leinster star is “bullish” ahead of a potential return.
“He’s full of energy,” said Fogarty. “He got through the session today, and he will be assessed as we go along.
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“I’d say he’s bullish, eager to get back and excited to be around the team again. It’s lonely when you’re out, so he’s excited to be back and we are excited as well.”
The return of the preferred Furlong and O’Toole could mean last weekend’s debutant Tom Clarkson drops out of the 23 again, but Fogarty was full of praise for the 24-year-old after his cameo off the bench.
“I was delighted,” he said. “He does a few things well at scrum time, and he’s a guy who we were looking at for the future.”
Finlay Bealham has been the starting tighthead in Furlong’s absence, however, he copped a yellow card early on against Argentina for a croc roll and later made way for Clarkson after just 50 minutes.
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Despite the positive news surrounding their front-row, Fogarty confirmed Ryan Baird will be out of action for the game on Saturday due to concussion.
Fogarty cautious of Fiji threat
Ireland come into this weekend off the back of an unconvincing victory over Argentina, and have also lost to the All Blacks this month as well, so a win against Fiji would be a welcome boost.
But, Fiji are a threat themselves and will come to Dublin in good spirits after two solid wins against Spain and Wales, and Fogarty is taking nothing for granted.
“Fiji have improved,” he said. “You see that through the Wales game, they’re a dangerous side. It’s important that we focus on developing a good performance.”
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