Murphy remains an injury doubt

GEORDAN MURPHY continues to be a source of worry to Ireland as he struggles to recover from a slight Achilles tendon injury.

Although named in the team, he could yet be forced out and must prove his fitness at a training session in Auckland today.

Irish coach Eddie O’Sullivan has deferred a decision to fill a vacancy in the reserves until there is firm news of Murphy. In last week’s opening match, Denis Hickie was one of the seven reserves, but if Murphy is forced out and replaced by Girvan Dempsey, Jeremy Staunton will be brought into the squad.