Fears for Bealham but Sheehan and Conan set for Boks return

Hooker Sheehan has not played since the first half of Ireland’s summer victory over England in Dublin

BACK IN CONTENTION: Ireland's Dan Sheehan. Pic: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Ireland are confident Dan Sheehan and Jack Conan will finally be fit to make their first appearances of the World Cup in this Saturday night’s Pool B crunch match with South Africa.

Both forwards have been sidelined with foot injuries sustained in pre-season but have returned to full training with Andy Farrell’s squad in recent days and attack coach Mike Catt said he expected the pair to be in the selection mix to take on the world champions.