Stomach strain rules O’Kelly out of Bay clash

Simon Lewis, Auckland

It is the second time in 10 days that the Leinster and Ireland lock has been named by Lions coach Clive Woodward only to be ruled out with an abdominal strain.

O’Kelly was due to start against Argentina a week last Monday but was replaced by compatriot Donncha O’Callaghan and the Corkman once again takes over, this time on the bench.

The news broke yesterday, hours after O’Kelly had declared himself fit during a players’ interview session at the Lions’ hotel on Auckland’s harbourfront.

“I am on the bench,” O’Kelly declared. “You never count your chickens so whenever you get an opportunity you get on and get a run. I’ll hopefully be part of the Wednesday side (against Taranaki) as well.

“You have to take your chance and I just want to get out there and play rugby. I’m just gagging to get involved.”

Talking about the solus muscle injury which had flared up during the Lions training camp in Wales, O’Kelly said: “That’s sport, it’s never nice and easy and straight forward. It always seems to bite you in the arse.

“Obviously you want to be at your very best and it is very frustrating. This only comes round every four years and I’d had such a clean season, I didn’t pick up any injuries, so suddenly to be pulled down with this was very frustrating.

“It was a niggle up to the Vale Of Glamorgan but it turned out to be more. It’s hard to foresee these things and this came out of the blue. I’m just happy that it’s calmed down and hopefully it will stay like that.”

Unfortunately that was not the case and five hours after that interview, the Lions issued a statement which read: “O’Kelly had fully recovered from the abdominal muscle injured in training on 20th May, however, there has been a reoccurrence of similar symptoms after today’s training session and so as a precautionary measure O’Callaghan has been brought in. A further consultation is being sought tomorrow and an update will be given at tomorrow’s briefing.”

Woodward said: “It is obviously disappointing for Malcolm but this is why we have the strength in depth of the touring squad which enables us to provide cover to ensure that we get the players back to full fitness needed to tackle the tough games ahead.”