Ireland coach Joe Schmidt is likely to risk playing fly-half Johnny Sexton in their World Cup quarter-final against Argentina on Sunday (BBC).
The Irish have suffered many injuries throughout their World Cup campaign, with Peter O’Mahony, Keith Earls, Jared Payne and most notably, 108-capped lock Paul O’Connell all absent.
In addition to these, Leinster star Johnny Sexton suffered a groin strain in Ireland’s impressive 24-9 victory over France on Sunday.
Sexton was declared as doubtful for the Argentina game at Cardiff on Sunday, but following a successful day of training on Wednesday, Ireland’s scrum coach Greg Feek insists that Sexton could feature against the Pumas, despite his groin injury.
“Johnny did about three-and-a-half kilometres of running today, so that’s a positive,” said Feek.
“We’re quietly confident and we’ll see how he goes on Friday.
“When you start to accumulate a number of games in a row, in the Six Nations you usually get two matches and then a week off, while in November you get three but you can still mix it around.
“But here it’s do-or-die type stuff, so there might be some allowances around a few things, especially with our medical staff and strength and conditioners, they’ve got a good feel on things as well.”
With Sexton seemingly back in action, Ireland still have some major concerns as they head into the quarter-finals. Man of the Match against France, Sean O’Brien will also miss out through suspension.
Nevertheless, Ireland still boast enough quality to overcome Argentina at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday.
