Veteran’s absence felt but Irish players are forced to ‘move on’

It was business as usual at Carton House yesterday as Ireland began life for the first time in a dozen years without the presence of fly-half Ronan O’Gara.

Until yesterday, only injury had prevented the Munster No 10 from taking his place in an Ireland training session during a 13-year, 128-cap Test career that began in February 2000 against Scotland. And as O’Gara faced up to his unscheduled absence, the players who did get the call from Declan Kidney adjusted to the situation with a timely reminder that no one in professional sport is indispensable.

“You’re always aware that at any time it could happen to you,” prop Mike Ross said yesterday. “So that’s what drives you on, to do as well as you possibly can because you know there’s always a guy there waiting to take your place. It’s something that we’re all aware is hanging over us.