Ireland confident Henshaw will
DUBLIN: Ireland coach Joe Schmidt is confident centre Robbie Henshaw will be fit to face New Zealand next week and has not completely ruled out a surprise return for halfback Conor Murray when the world’s top two teams meet in Dublin.
Henshaw was withdrawn minutes from kickoff before Ireland struggled past Argentina 2817 yesterday after his hamstring tightened in the warmup. He will be monitored in coming days but Schmidt was hopeful of his availability.
A neck injury has sidelined Murray since Ireland’s seriesclinching victory over Australia in Sydney in June and the Munster No 9 was not named in the Six Nations champions’ squad for the November internationals.
‘‘I’m going to chat to Conor and see how he is and it will really be Conor’s call,’’ Schmidt told a news conference.
‘‘There’s no compulsion for him to force himself into the frame unless he’s super comfortable . . . it is highly unlikely that he will be involved but I will talk to him tomorrow.’’
Flanker Sean O’Brien was the only player ruled out for next week and will require surgery after a broken arm.
Kieran Marmion, who may have put himself in the driving seat at halfback in Murray’s absence after a sharp, tryscoring performance, should be fine after rolling his ankle, the coach said.
The Maori All Blacks had to work harder than the scoreline suggested to claim a 353 victory over Brazil in Sao Paulo.
Heavy rain put paid to freeflowing back play and world No 26 Brazil’s home pack revelled in the closequarter exchanges.
But, the ability to take their chances proved the difference as the Maori scored five unanswered tries.
Lock Isaia WalkerLeawere opened the scoring after three
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