Flannery '50-50' for Aussies
JERRY FLANNERY has a "50-50" chance of lining out in Saturday's Test against Australia at the Suncorp Stadium, according to Ireland forwards coach Gert Smal.
The Munster hooker was a late arrival on tour following problems with a calf injury, but rehabilitation on the injury is going well and a decision on Flannery's availability will be made tomorrow or possibly Wednesday.
"It's all going well," said Smal yesterday. "Over the next two days we'll see how he progresses and there's an option to maybe use him. (We'll decide) Tuesday or Wednesday."
Second-row Mick O'Driscoll is also expected to be available after suffering a back spasm in the defeat to New Zealand last Saturday week, while winger Shane Horgan is being monitored after taking a heavy blow to the neck area in last Friday's 31-28 loss to the Maori.
Meanwhile, Wallabies winger Digby Ioane will be out of action for four months after suffering a shoulder injury during Saturday's 21-20 second-Test loss to England.
Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said Ioane injured his shoulder when he fell heavily during the match in Sydney and needs a reconstruction.
Scrum-half Will Genia could also be out of action for up to four weeks after suffering a broken hand during Australia's first home loss to England since the 2003 World Cup final.
Deans said Genia would have X-rays to determine the seriousness of the injury but would definitely not be playing against Ireland.
- Hugh Farrelly
Irish Independent
