Best injury forces Irish to plan for the worst

RORY BEST’S participation in the remainder of Ireland’s World Cup campaign remains in the balance after he was deemed a “serious doubt” by team manager Paul McNaughton for Saturday’s quarter-final against Wales.

Best sprained the AC joint in his right shoulder in the second half of Sunday’s 36-6 victory over Italy and the Ulster hooker was yesterday receiving treatment as the Ireland management give him every possible chance to recover.

McNaughton said a contingency plan was in place should Best be forced out of the squad but he declined to name the possible replacement (thought to be Munster’s Mike Sherry) and said no-one had been flown out as yet.