CONFIRMED: Ireland duo out of second Bok Test

NEWS: Ireland hooker Dan Sheehan will miss the second Test against world champions South Africa in Durban on Saturday.

The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) confirmed the news following the medical assessment on Monday.

They also revealed that Craig Casey will miss the match due to a concussion.

Andy Farrell has called up Connacht hooker Dave Heffernan and Ulster scrumhalf Nathan Doak to the team.

The pair will link up with Ireland in Durban ahead of the Test.

The statement on the IRFU official website read:

“Following medical assessments after Saturday’s opening Test, the Ireland management can confirm that neither Craig Casey (concussion) nor Dan Sheehan (left knee) will play any further part in the South African series which concludes next Saturday in Durban.

“Connacht hooker Dave Heffernan and Ulster scrum-half Nathan Doak have been called up and the duo have linked up with the squad in Durban.”

Sheehan sustained the injury after tackling Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth during the first half of a 20-27 loss in Pretoria last Saturday.

He was replaced at half-time by Leinster teammate Ronan Kelleher, who is likely to start in Durban with Rob Herring providing cover on the bench.

Scrumhalf  Casey was taken from the field on a stretcher suffering from concussion after being tackled by Springbok lock RG Snyman.

Connor Murray would be the obvious replacement if Casey is ruled out with Caolin Blade promoted to the bench.

There are a number of other injury concerns for head coach Andy Farrell ahead of the announcement on Thursday of the second Test team.

Centre Robbie Henshaw is going through return-to-play protocols after suffering a head injury at Loftus Versfeld.

Fullback Jamie Osborne (groin), centre Bundee Aki (shoulder), wing James Lowe (thigh) and prop Andrew Porter (hand) are others facing fitness tests.

A win for Ireland in the Indian Ocean port city would tie the series, and end a run of four series losses since their first multi-match tour of South Africa in 1981.

Record four-time world champions South Africa will name their second Test matchday 23 on Tuesday for a match that will be watched by a sell-out 52,000 crowd at Kings Park.