Ireland face giant challenge as injuries mount up

The unofficial battle for the world number one side concluded at the weekend, with the fully stacked Springboks defeating challengers Ireland in a terrific game at Loftus Versfeld in front of 50,000 exuberant fans.

The world champions were ruthless in their performance, stifling an Irish attack desperate to find gaps in the solid South African defence, and taking full advantage of any opportunities that fell before them.

Such was the intensity of the occasion, Ireland suffered from more than just defeat in that first test, losing multiple players to injury throughout.

Jamie Osborne, Bundee Aki, James Lowe Andrew Porter and Robbie Henshaw have all found themselves on the medical table this week as the coaches look to monitor the players ahead of their second test in Durban this weekend.

Dan Sheehan and Craig Casey have already been ruled out of the upcoming match thanks to injuries sustained in the opening match. Uncapped Ulster scrum-half Nathan Doak and Connacht’s Dave Heffernan have been called into the squad, whilst Ronan Kelleher and Conor Murray are expected to replace the two injured players.

Andy Farrell is set to name his squad on Thursday as they look to gain revenge over the mighty Jesse Kriel and co this weekend.