Underplayed Ross will be forced to ‘front up’

Guinness International

Ireland have been forced to confront the reality that an underplayed Mike Ross is their only realistic option at tighthead prop when mighty South Africa visit the Aviva Stadium on Saturday evening.

That was the alarming conclusion drawn from comments made by Ireland assistant coach Les Kiss yesterday as he admitted the lack of experienced front row cover in the Irish provinces meant that first-choice Ross, 34, would have to “front up” against the world number two-ranked Springboks despite having not played for a month due to a groin injury.