Humphreys returns as Sheahan sings McCall’s praises

DAVID HUMPHREYS returned to training yesterday having recovered from a nasty facial injury sustained during Ireland’s opening test against Japan in Osaka on Sunday.

The Irish skipper staggered from the pitch, holding his mouth after the heavy blow. However, following an X-ray, a loose tooth was secured and no serious damage was diagnosed.

Humphreys, the only player who didn't participate in the contact session, will be fit for the second and final test at the weekend.

Meanwhile, hooker Frankie Sheahan offered a ringing endorsement of Mark McCall's defence work.

McCall's good work and positive feed-back from players may force Eddie O'Sullivan to move for the Ulster coach on a full-time basis.

"Mark (McCall) is doing a great job. We're working very hard on our defence and, in fairness to Mark, he must be thrilled that everything went well in Osaka," Sheahan said

"He is very clear in what he wants and has done a lot of research in to what way the Japanese attack. It paid off last Sunday, and judging by what he has achieved to date, let's hope the same applies here in Tokyo."

Sheahan also paid tribute to backs coach, Michael Bradley, and interim head coach, Niall O'Donovan.

"Brads (Michael Bradley) is doing a great job with the backs. We scored four tries and, though two came from myself and Bestie (Simon Best), they all started through great hands by the three-quarters.

"As well as that, it is a very happy camp, we're blooding new players gently into test rugby and that is mainly down to Niallo (Niall O'Donovan) he is doing a great job."

Sheahan also praised Jeremy Staunton who shone when Humphreys' was forced out of action twenty minutes into the first test.

Staunton, failed to make an impact at Munster under both Declan Kidney and Alan Gaffney, and is to ply his trade with London Wasps next season.

"Jeremy had a very solid game it's always tough to come off the bench so early in a game and he acquitted himself very well. He is in and out of Ireland squads, but joined up after Paddy Wallace's withdrawal and has fitted in really well. He is a very talented operator and on his day can be devastating.

"Trevor Hogan was another who came on, albeit much later in the game. I was delighted for him. He has had a great season with Munster and he made a good impact when he came on. There will be many more caps, hopefully, ahead for him as well."

Sheahan gave a very assured performance in the dead heat of the Nagai Stadium.

His throws hit his main targets in Leo Cullen, Matt McCullough and Alan Quinlan each time, while the Cork native also gave an energetic performance around the field.

"I was delighted with my own display," said Sheahan. "With my throwing, I hit the target right every time, the scrum was good, and in defence too it went well. Yes, there were a few knock-ons, but it was expected that we would make mistakes and the encouraging thing is we did react well to the mistakes."

Sheahan expects another tough battle at ruck-time on Sunday after finding the Japanese uncompromising and extremely physical in this area.

"We were expecting that. These guys have had six international games in the last few weeks and they weren't going to roll over. What they did was more or less than we expected. We have a lot of respect for them and we expect another tough battle Sunday."