Best ruled out for three weeks

IRELAND hooker Rory Best may have played his last match in the 2007 World Cup after being ruled out for up three weeks with a dislocated thumb.

Best sustained the damage to his right hand during Saturday’s 14-10 victory over Georgia. A scan yesterday revealed the extent of the injury, which sidelines the hooker for the Pool D games against France and Argentina.

Winger Denis Hickie and prop John Hayes are both expected to be fit for Friday’s clash with France despite incurring injuries against Georgia. Hickie suffered a bruised knee, while Hayes has a tight calf and will only take a limited part in training today.