Tuesday 18 November 2014 16:59, UK
Ireland centre Jared Payne has been ruled out of Saturday’s Test against Australia due to injury.
Payne suffered a foot injury during Ireland’s win over South Africa and missed last weekend’s victory over Georgia.
The New Zealand-born back took a limited part in training on Monday but he still experienced discomfort in his foot and has returned to Ulster for further treatment on the injury.
With Payne ruled out, Gordon D’Arcy, Ian Madigan, Darren Cave or Stuart Olding could be paired with Connacht’s Robbie Henshaw in midfield.
Leinster lock Mike McCarthy has returned to his province to undergo return-to-play protocols after suffering a concussion against Georgia, and has been ruled out of the Australia game.
Ireland are optimistic about the fitness of hooker Rory Best. The Ulsterman missed the wins over South Africa and Georgia with a calf strain but took a full part in training on Tuesday.
Sean Cronin and Richardt Strauss impressed in Best’s absence, leaving Ireland head coach Joe Schimdt with a selection dilemma at hooker.
“He trained today and trained well,” says Ireland forwards coach Simon Easterby. “I suppose we have three very good hookers available to us now. It’s a position of real strength, with Straussy going really well at the weekend against Georgia and Sean doing particularly well against South Africa.
“It’s a good place to be. Rory has proved his fitness today and took part in full training, which was great. It’s great to have a bit of quality and depth in that position.”
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