Having lost their last few internationals and now dropped to eighth in the official IRB World Rankings, Ireland are also having to deal with injury woes, the latest of which is to stalwart David Wallace, who will be missing the Rugby World Cup as a result.
Wallace was hit hard by young England center Manu Tuilagi on Saturday, causing knee ligament damage that has means his World Cup dream was over in an instant. He has since had surgery, and put on a brave face as he tweeted on Sunday, 'Thanks to all for the uplifting msg's. Had op this morning so its all improvement here on. Lets get behind the team '.
Ireland have already lost Felix Jones to injury, which gave fullback Geordan Murphy the chance to join the squad. Coach Declan Kidney was very upset with the news.
"You have to deal with these things. Hes 35 and Ive never seen a man as physically fit as he is right now. Its heartbreaking for him and his family. Its extremely disappointing for us but will be good news for someone else. Thats the cut-throat nature of sport," said Kidney.
Shane Jennings has been named as his replacement.
Tuilagi, who tackled Wallace into touch, causing the flanker to twist his knee under the force, had a great match for England, scoring a try and looking solid on defence, along with center partner Mike Tindall, who later commented, "It's great playing next to him. If you're in any doubt just give him the ball!"
"He's a physical specimen who can create anything from nothing,"added Tindall.
Murphy, who plays with Manu at Leicester Tigers, said he'll be a serious threat at the RWC.
"Manu's going to have a massive impact at the World Cup. He'll be a force on the internationals stage for some time to come. He's an attacking threat and defensively his game has come on immeasurably. He's so strong. He's got to be in the England team."
He added that he's a great guy off the field, and everyone gets along with him.
"He's very grounded, I don't think that will change, and he will just get better and better. He's the youngest of a rugby playing family and they will all help keep his feet on the ground."
If you fancy leaving a comment wishing Wallace all the best in his recovery, please go ahead.
Time: 02:38
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