O'Sullivan calls for mental 'balance'

Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan has urged his players to put a harrowing 24 hours behind them and refocus their attention on Argentina.

Preparations for Sunday’s group finale at the Parc des Princes were thrown into turmoil by Simon Best’s admission into hospital on Wednesday evening.

Fears the popular Ulster prop had suffered a stroke eased last night when test results pointed to a cardiac issue, although an exact diagnosis for his condition has yet to be determined.

Best, who had been named on the bench against the Pumas, has been ruled out of the remainder of Ireland’s World Cup and is expected to return home within two days.

The initial news of his illness stunned the Irish camp, but O’Sullivan insists his side must now concentrate on reviving their fading hopes of reaching the quarter-finals.

He said: “We have to get on with our preparations because the Argentina match is going to go ahead regardless of what happens.

“It’s just about getting the balance right in our heads. We’ve got to deal with the fact we’ve got a game on Sunday.”

Best was rushed to Bordeaux’s Pellegrin Hospital after developing a loss of sensation down his right side and a mild headache, while also experiencing difficulty speaking.

The 29-year-old condition has now been described as “comfortable” and his symptoms have settled.

O’Sullivan said: “This is very positive for Simon and we will continue to monitor his progress carefully.

“The care he has received so far has been excellent and team doctor Gary O’Driscoll has been with him throughout.”

Simon’s brother Rory will start on the bench against Argentina after recovering from a dislocated thumb ahead of schedule.

Munster hooker Jerry Flannery retains the number two jersey following his rehabilitation from the shoulder ’stinger’ incurred during training.

O’Sullivan said: “We have named Rory Best on the bench.

“We did consider his brother Simon’s condition when making that decision but Rory is a mentally tough individual and was adamant that he wanted to be considered for selection.

“We have no doubts that he will be ready if called upon.”

Munster prop Tony Buckley has been called up to replace Simon Best.

Buckley will link up with the squad in Paris with Best’s Ulster team-mate Bryan Young filling the vacancy on the bench against the Pumas.

Ireland must beat in-form Argentina by at least seven points and score a minimum of four tries if they are to progress to the quarter-finals.