Healy back as Irish eye Australia

IRELAND’S preparations for Saturday’s showdown with Pool C favourites Australia have been boosted by the return to fitness of prop Cian Healy.

The Leinster loose-head damaged an eye socket during Ireland’s final warm-up Test against England in Dublin on August 27 and was a late arrival in New Zealand after being left behind until his injuries were deemed safe enough to make the 36-hour journey from Dublin.

Yesterday he was declared available for selection and although stand-in Tom Court and his replacement Tony Buckley equipped themselves well against the Eagles in the 22-10 win, Healy looks certain to start against the Tri-Nations champions at Eden Park on Saturday morning.