Ireland gets some reinforcements

INJURY UPDATE: Ireland will be boosted by the return to training of a quartet of players, ahead of the second Test against New Zealand.

Rob Herring, Harry Byrne, Mack Hansen and Finlay Bealham are all in the selection mix this week.

Andy Farrell’s squad have been struck by a number of injuries and absences on the tour, but captain Johnny Sexton is expected to be fit for Saturday’s match in Dunedin – as he undergoes his third and final head injury assessment on Monday.

Prop Jeremy Loughman and Dave Heffernan are currently following 12-day return to play protocols, after a concussion.

However,, fellow hooker Herring and flyhalf Byrne are back after knocks, while wing Hansen has completed his period of Covid isolation and prop Bealham will do so later in the week.

Centre Stuart McCloskey arrives in New Zealand on Monday, following Ed Byrne who flew in on Saturday in the wake of a tour-ending groin injury to James Hume.

Sources: PA & RugbyPass