Staunton set to replace Murphy

AN ACHILLES tendon problem could rule Geordan Murphy out of Ireland’s second test with New Zealand on Saturday, and the way is open for Jeremy Staunton to make a long awaited return.

Staunton has not been named in the squad, but is poised to pounce should Murphy be ruled out. A vacancy has been left to allow Murphy, whom Irish coach Eddie O’Sullivan believes will be fit, to recover over the next couple of days.

Should the Leicester player make it, it’s likely that Staunton will have to wait a little longer, and Denis Hickie should be added to the list of substitutes.