Leinster duo ‘touch and go’ for Six Nations

Joe Schmidt is sweating over his Six Nations front row as Cian Healy and Mike Ross were declared doubts for the opening clash with Wales on February 7.

Ross, who started all 10 games of Ireland’s last two Six Nations campaigns, suffered a ‘high-grade’ hamstring strain in the home defeat to Toulon in late December, but is still said to be ‘weeks’ away from being match fit.

Healy, who underwent elective knee surgery last week while serving a two-week suspension for ‘reckless foul play’ in the away defeat to Toulon, is now a serious doubt for the Welsh game, according to Leinster manager Guy Easterby.