Ireland have called in a veteran hooker and uncapped scrumhalf after tour-ending injuries to Dan Sheehan and Craig Casey ahead of the series decider against the Springboks in Durban.
Sheehan will miss the second Test against the Springboks after suffering a knee ligament injury in the 27-20 loss in Pretoria that is expected to keep him out for the rest of the year, while Casey is sidelined with a concussion.
Ireland announced that they have called up Connacht hooker Dave Heffernan and Ulster scrumhalf Nathan Doak as replacements.
The 33-year-old Heffernan won the last of his seven Test caps against the All Blacks in July 2022.
Meanwhile, 22-year-old Doak has yet to make his Test debut for Ireland, but has 71 appearances for Ulster under his belt and has represented his country at U20 level.
“Following medical assessments after Saturday’s opening Test, the Ireland management can confirm that neither Craig Casey (concussion) nor Dan Sheehan (left knee) will play any further part in the South African series,” an IRFU statement read.
“Connacht hooker Dave Heffernan and Ulster scrumhalf Nathan Doak have been called up, and the duo have linked with the squad in Durban. There will be a further medical update later in the week.”
Other injury concerns for Andy Farrell ahead of Thursday’s team announcement are Robbie Henshaw (concussion), Jamie Osborne (groin), Bundee Aki (shoulder), James Lowe (thigh) and Andrew Porter (hand).
Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
