Duffy gets call to replace injured Earls

Gavin Duffy has been called up to the Irish squad after Keith Earls was ruled out of Saturday’s second test against New Zealand in Christchurch.

Earls left the field in the 73rd minute of Saturday’s 42-10 loss and the Irish management confirmed the Munster centre suffered a pectoral muscle injury. Earls will remain with the squad and has not been ruled out of the third test. Duffy has been called up as fullback cover for Rob Kearney as Earls was seen as the auxillary number 15 in the squad before his injury.

Leinster three-quarter Dave Kearney was considered by the Irish management as cover but he is recovering from minor surgery and was unavailable.

Meanwhile, Cian Healy and Declan Fitzpatrick are both doubts for the second test with the All Blacks after picking up injuries in the Auckland rout. Healy suffered a shoulder injury while Declan Fitzpatrick left the field with a hamstring strain. Mike Ross, recovering from a hamstring injury, has not been ruled out of the Christchurch test – but is looking doubtful. Ireland coach Declan Kidney confirmed former Munster tighthead Tony Buckley, Ulster loosehead Paddy McAllister and Leinster prop Jack McGrath were all on standby. The Irish squad had a recovery session at Takapuna Beach on Auckland’s North Shore yesterday, and are due in Christchurch Wednesday.