Feek backs rookie Fitzpatrick to pass big test

Ireland scrum coach Greg Feek has backed rookie Ulster tighthead Declan Fitzpatrick to step up for Ireland against the All Blacks on Saturday should first-choice Mike Ross fail to recover from a hamstring injury.

Ross was rated extremely doubtful yesterday, and Feek revealed a decision will be made on the position tomorrow morning.

“The hip area where he’d done his hamstring... is pretty crucial in terms of power output and all that,” said the Kiwi on Ross’s injury.