Fitness boost for Ireland ahead of Springboks clash as duo return from injury

Andy Farrell has some selection headaches, good and bad, ahead of Ireland's Test against South Africa on Saturday. 

Garry Ringrose has not played since the defeat to the All Blacks in Chicago. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Andy Farrell’s selection hand for this Saturday’s mouth-watering clash with South Africa has been boosted by a return to fitness for frontline stars Garry Ringrose and Josh van der Flier.

Ireland may have to do without in-form midfielder Stuart McCloskey, who sustained a second groin injury this month in the first half of Saturday’s 46-19 victory over Australia, but outside centre Ringrose and openside flanker van der Flier are on course to make their first appearances since November 1.

Neither has played since each completing 80 minutes on the field against New Zealand in Chicago having slightly strained hamstrings but on Saturday night Farrell said of Ringrose and Van der Flier: “They trained at full pace today. All's well so barring they don't turn up or get some type of reaction.” 

As for McCloskey, who missed the win over Japan after his initial injury against the All Blacks, the Ireland head coach said: “I think it's similar, his groin. Whether it's a little bit more serious than before, it wasn't too much damage before so we'll get it scanned again and have a look.” 

Yet overall, Farrell was delighted to have seen a plethora of strong performances against the Wallabies make this week’s selection decisions tougher. McCloskey’s outside centre partner Robbie Henshaw looked sharp throughout and capped his performance with Ireland’s sixth try of the night on Saturday, while the Ulsterman’s replacement Bundee Aki added plenty of heft and energy when he came on. 

Midfield aside, Paddy McCarthy’s first Test start for his third cap at loosehead prop was rewarded with a performance which has thrown down the gauntlet to regular starter Andrew Porter and some difficult choices lie ahead for the head coach this week.

“It's good. For whatever reason, we've managed the squad well, as in people getting a start, people coming off at 50 minutes and all that type of stuff. Whatever squad we get to pick we'll be prepared for next week.” 

Ominously for the Irish, Rassie Erasmus on Sunday strengthened his front-row options with the arrival in Dublin of hooker Bongi Mbonambi and prop Ntuthuko Mchunu following the previous day’s 32-14 victory over Italy in Turin.

Mbonambi had been rested for the first two Tests of South Africa’s year-ending tour following their Rugby Championship title run but he and Mchunu have rejoined the squad for the final two matches against Ireland this Saturday and Wales the week after.

“This is a longer tour than usual, and we have two big matches lined up against Ireland and Wales, which prompted the decision to call up Bongi and Ntuthuko,” Erasmus said.

“Both players have done the job for us on the international stage, so we are excited to have them in the group.

“Several players will not be eligible for selection for the final Test on tour against Wales, as the match falls outside of the international window, so it makes sense to call up the players now to get back into the swing of things with us at training this week, while at the same time increasing the depth we have within the squad for our next challenge against Ireland.”