Covid case and injury concerns muddies the water for Ireland

For Ireland the waters have also been muddied by a positive Covid test for Ireland wing Mack Hansen and injury doubts over both lock Iain Henderson and hooker Rob Herring

ISOLATING: Ireland’s Mack Hansen during Ireland training. Pic: INPHO/Billy Stickland

Andy Farrell’s desire to see how his players react under extreme pressure is about to be realised in the coming days as his entire squad is placed beneath the microscope in two seismic clashes.

A first Test against New Zealand looms Saturday at Eden Park but first comes the not inconsiderable challenge of the Maori All Blacks, whom an Ireland XV are set to face at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton Wednesday morning (8:05 Irish time).