Ireland may lose injured Halvey

RUGBY UNION

RUGBY UNION

While England enjoyed a rest day, Ireland were grappling with the prospect of Eddie Halvey, one of three open-side flankers in their World Cup squad, having to be flown home from South Africa because of a cartilage injury.

Halvey, from the Shannon club in Limerick, suffered bruising to his right knee in training on Monday, and yesterday missed the squad's private training session in Johannesburg as he attempted to reduce the swelling with an ice-pack.

If Halvey has to be replaced, the Garryowen No 8, Ben Cronin, who won his only full cap against Scotland at Murrayfield last February, may be called up.

Wales faced their first injury worry when No 8 Stuart Davies strained a neck muscle and was forced to sit out a tough scrummaging session against the Orange Free State pack in Bloemfontein. The prop John Davies is also suffering from a pinched nerve in his neck.

Australia's match-winning winger David Campese, who has been suffering from a heavy cold, and centre Jason Little (hamstring) were declared fit for the opening game of the tournament against South Africa tomorrow.

The French have recalled the gifted Toulon scrum-half Aubin Hueber for their opening group game against Tonga in Pretoria on Friday.