Ireland pay Payne(ful) price
Ireland have paid a dear price for their impressive demolition of South Africa in Dublin at the weekend.
The Irish are awaiting the results of scans on injured midfielder Jared Payne, following an injury he suffered in their 29-15 win over the Springboks.
The New Zealand-born Ulster star made his Test debut in the clash in Dublin, alongside Robbie Henshaw in the centres, but hobbled off in the latter stages of the clash.
Early indications are that he has sprained his foot.
He will now undergo a scan on Monday to assess the extent of the problem and coach Joe Schmidt said he is unsure if the 29-year-old will be fit to face Georgia next weekend.
"He's had an X-ray that's clear, so it's a step in the right direction, not that he's taking too many rampant strides at the moment," Schmidt said after the match.
"But I'm hopeful that it will be okay, but we won't know until probably Monday or Tuesday, because I think there's some scans booked for Monday, just to get a better picture on that foot."
And Schmidt believes his new centre pairing proved their Test class against one of the most formidable international outfits.
"They did well: I think all week we knew it was a tough ask, and we talked about it on Thursday, and I know it's been a topic of discussion," said Schmidt.
"And I know in the end people will make their own minds up.
