Irish trio expected to make quick recovery

The three Ireland players to come out of the 62-12 win over Russia at Rotorua on Sunday with injuries - Sean O’Brien (bruised arm), Rob Kearney (jarred knee) and Keith Earls (mild dead leg) - are expected to make quick recoveries.

This means the Irish selectors are likely to have a full squad to choose from for their final Pool C clash with Italy at Otago Stadium on Sunday.

Paul O’Connell, Gordon D’Arcy and Tommy Bowe, who missed the Russia clash because of injury, had rehabilitation at the weekend and will train on Tuesday, team manager Paul McNaughton said.

Asked about the likelihood of their return, McNaughton said: “It’s too early to say. We’re hopeful that everybody will be fit. I wouldn’t call it touch and go.”