Irish boost as Ross likely to be fit for second test

The Ireland squad received a major boost yesterday with the news that first-choice tighthead prop Mike Ross is winning his race to be fit for next Saturday’s crunch second-test in Christchurch.

Ross, who has been suffering with a hamstring strain, missed the opening test at Eden Park and although the Ulster debutant Declan Fitzpatrick did well in the Leinster player’s absence, Ross’s inclusion for the clash in Canterbury would be a major bonus for a pack that came under immense pressure in Auckland last Saturday night.

Ross will have to come through a few intense training sessions this week and will need to be do some scrummaging practice in order to be passed fit, but the early prognosis is positive with team manager Michael Kearney confirming the good news.