Irish camp lick wounds after Puma attacks

Rehabilitation in the swimming pool rather than a training stint was the preferred choice today as Ireland’s World Cup squad moved camp from Adelaide to Melbourne.

The Irish management elected not to go through with training in respect of the exacting physical nature of Sunday’s bruising clash with Argentina.

The legacy was lots of bumps and bruises, best served it was felt with a pool session under the guidance of fitness director Mike McGurn.

As Number 8 Anthony Foley was declared ready to resume training with the full squad, fellow back row forward Victor Costello ached with a thigh bump sustained against the robust Argentineans, while centre Kevin Maggs, who again did such Trojan defensive work in Adelaide, limped with an ankle strain.

It is anticipated that both will be on the availability list when the team to play Australia on Saturday next is announced on Thursday lunchtime.

It was originally pencilled in that the Irish team would be announced – but coach Eddie O’Sullivan has decided “to give ourselves a breather and delay selection until Thursday.”

Meantime, injured wing forward Alan Quinlan will remain with the squad for the rest of the week, as medical opinion is that it would be uncomfortable for him to return at the moment.

Shadow squad replacement David Wallace is due to join up with the squad tomorrow evening.