Sexton's hamstring a big worry
Ireland's hopes of a Six Nations Grand Slam could rest on the extent of star flyhalf Jonathan Sexton's hamstring injury, which will be assessed imminently, said coach Joe Schmidt.
The 29-year-old Racing-Metro playmaker – who only returned to action again a fortnight ago after months out because of concussion – had to go off after his conversion gave Ireland a 19-3 lead in the second-half of their game against England on Sunday.
The Irish ran out 19-9 winners to equal the national side's record of 10 successive victories and keep alive hopes of only a third ever Grand Slam, and of becoming only the second Ireland side to retain the trophy.
They have a tricky trip to Cardiff next up against Wales, with their opponents also title contenders after beating France in Paris at the weekend.
"Johnny felt a twinge in his hamstring and thankfully he managed to convert the try [by Robbie Henshaw]," said Schmidt.
"However, we thought it was wise to take him off. We haven't had it assessed yet so we don't know the severity of it."
Schmidt, who has won 13 of the 16 Tests he has been in charge of since he took over at the helm in 2013, said that flank Sean O'Brien would have to pass the concussion protocols after a clash of heads forced him off in the 25th minute.
"At the moment he is fine and asymptomatic [concussion free]. He's just sitting in the dressing room feeling grumpy and disappointed.
"Jared Payne [the centre who also came off but much later looking groggy] passed the protocols but we thought it pertinent to leave him off and move Tommy Bowe from the wing into centre and Felix Jones out to the wing."
Agence France-Presse
