Injury reprieve for Ireland
Ireland received a double boost on Tuesday with the news that Paul O’Connell and Cian Healy should be ready to face to Springboks at Aviva Stadium on Saturday.
The key forwards were in doubt for Saturday’s encounter due to back and shoulder problems respectively but both came through Tuesday’s training unscathed.
"Paul trained fully today and did everything in training – scrum, line-out and contact," Ireland assistant coach Mark Tainton said.
"We'll see what happens over the next 24 hours but we don't envisage any reaction to what he did today. It's looking good from his side.
"Cian did a full session today and there were no problems with his shoulder during a live scrummaging session. He showed full power."
O’Connell, who captained the British and Irish Lions on their tour to South Africa in 2009, is expected the lead Ireland in the absence of regular skipper Brian O’Driscoll, who is sidelined with an ankle injury.
Coach Declan Kidney will announce his matchday side on Thursday.
