There is good and bad news on the injury front for Ireland as they head into the third test of the Autumn Nations Series.
Fiji head to the Aviva on Saturday afternoon to take on Ireland following back-to-back weeks of action against New Zealand and Argentina.
Although the Pacific islanders will be a stern test, the clash is a chance for head coach Andy Farrell to rotate his starting options.
Ireland’s Tadhg Furlong will be back for a showdown with Fiji. Pic: INPHO/Dan Sherid
After missing him for the first two Autumn Nations Series meetings, Farrell is now set to welcome back Tadhg Furlong for Fiji’s visit.
The Leinster star has overcome a hamstring issue and returned to training. Ulster’s Tom O’Toole is also an option once again after getting over a head injury.
It is not all good news for the Irish coaching staff, however, as Ryan Baird will be unavailable after coming off with a head injury during Friday’s win over Argentina.
Ireland get Tadhg Furlong back but will now lose out on Ryan Baird. Pic: INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Asked about Furlong’s comeback, Ireland scrum coach John Fogarty said that the prop is ‘full of energy’ and ready to get going once again.
‘So, yeah, he got through the session today and he will be assessed as we go along,’ Fogarty told the media on Tuesday.
‘I’d say bullish, he’s eager to get back and excited to be in and around the team again. It’s lonely when you’re outside of that. He’s excited to be in and around the team, and we are excited as well.’
Hugo Keenan of Ireland is tackled by Tomas Albornoz of Argentina during the Autumn Nations Series match between Ireland and Argentina at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
‘They won’t mess about with the players. He’s back on time. He’s ready to go. If he had been back last week and ready to go, he would have been up for selection and then the coaches will decide.
‘He is back in training and got through that session today.’
Farrell is set to name his matchday squad that will face Fiji on Thursday afternoon.
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