Irish counting the cost
Ireland were left counting the cost of the train wreck that was left behind after New Zealand crushed them 42-10 in Auckland at the weekend.
Already it has been confirmed that star utility back Keith Earls has been ruled out of the second Test in Christchurch on Saturday, while two more players are in doubt.
While loosehead prop Cian Healy (shoulder) and tighthead prop Declan Fitzpatrick (buttock muscle) are both expected to be available for the second test, Earls was ruled out after he sustained a pectoral muscle injury.
Healy had to be replaced in the second half of the loss and coach Declan Kidney said afterwards the injury was a concern.
The 24-year-old, however, had improved by Sunday and would be monitored during the week, along with Fitzpatrick, who was also injured during the match.
The debutant's injury, initially thought to be a hamstring strain, turned out to be a gluteal (buttock) muscle strain.
Neither of the front row forwards have been ruled out of contention.
It would be close to a disaster if at least one of them isn't passed fit, because with Mike Ross still struggling with a hamstring injury.
Coach Declan Kidney is desperately short on front row cover at the moment, not an ideal situation when you're up against All Blacks baying for blood at the coalface.
Gordon D'Arcy is likely to be promoted to the starting lineup at inside centre, with Earls original selection designed to give the Irish a more potent attacking division against the World Cup champions.
The Leinster midfielder, noted as a defensive foil, could resume his Heineken Cup winning combination with captain Brian O'Driscoll.
Ulster centre Darren Cave is also in the touring party and could be considered an option, with the 25-year-old in good form for the Northern Ireland outfit during the European season.
