One hard man for another

There’s mixed news for Ireland in advance of the three Test joust with New Zealand next month with Paul O’Connell likely to travel and Stephen Ferris almost certainly ruled out — an exchange of one hard man for another.

Although carrying injuries this week, other high profile players like Sean O’Brien and Cian Healy are likely to make the trip to front up against the World champions.

Irish team manager Michael Kearney outlined the situation yesterday at a pre-tour press conference at Carton House, Co Kildare. he didn’t even have to state the obvious on the iconic O’Connell, who showed no signs of a troublesome knee injury either in a training stint or as he bounced through the hotel later with not a sign of bandage or covering.