Ireland's Rory Best on course to face Wales

Duncan Bech
Wednesday 05 October 2011 15:52 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Rory Best retains hope of playing in Ireland's World Cup quarter-final against Wales after making "great progress" in his rehabilitation from a shoulder injury.

Best has been named in the starting-line-up for Saturday's showdown at Wellington Regional Stadium and will be given as much time as possible to prove his fitness.

The Ulster hooker sustained a sprain to his right shoulder during Sunday's 36-6 victory over Italy and has been receiving intensive treatment since.

Under World Cup regulations the deadline for teams to be submitted is 48 hours before kick-off, meaning head coach Declan Kidney has until 6am BST tomorrow to confirm his selection.

If Best continues to heal swiftly it is unlikely he will be withdrawn with his battle for fitness certain to continue to matchday.

"The decision could go right to the end, we'll make it when we have to make it," said Kidney.

"I wouldn't want to tempt fate by rating Rory's chances, but he's not ruled out which is always the first sign.

"He had a good day yesterday which everyone was very positive about. He's making great progress and we're taking it one day at a time."

Best's outstanding form as part of a highly impressive Ireland front row is compelling Kidney to do everything possible to ensure his inclusion.

Should he fail to pull through, Sean Cronin will be promoted to the starting line-up with Damien Varley appearing on the bench.

Kidney has named an unchanged side to face Wales with Ronan O'Gara and Conor Murray continuing at half-back.

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in