Not the Best news for Irish
Rory Best could recover from injury to his right shoulder to play again at the World Cup if Ireland beats Wales in the quarterfinals on Saturday.
Best will almost certainly sit out the match in Wellington after spraining the joint in Sunday’s 36-6 win over Italy.
The nature of the injury meant Best was in danger of being ruled out until after the October 23 final in Auckland, but team officials say he could be playing again before then.
Kicking coach Mark Tainton says Best’s “chances at the moment are long: he’s doubtful for this weekend, but he’s not ruled out of the tournament.”
Michael Sherry has been called up as precautionary cover for injured hooker, while Sean Cronin is likely to wear the No.2 jersey on Saturday.
“Rory Best is still progressing with his rehabilitation this week and while he is still rated doubtful for the Wales game, we felt it was prudent to bring Mike Sherry down to New Zealand as precautionary cover,” Ireland manager Paul McNaughton said.
SAPA-AP
