Declan Kidney has been dealt a massive blow ahead of the upcoming Autumn Series with the news that Brian O’Driscoll and Rory Best have both been ruled out of action.
By Declan Whooley
The inspirational centre picked up an ankle injury against the Cardiff Blues at the weekend and while it was initially hoped he would be okay, specialists have decided that he will require surgery to repair the ligament damage.
As O’Driscoll is expected to be sidelined for 8-12 weeks, he will be in a race against time to be fit for the final games of the Heineken Cup group stages.
Ulster hooker Best has been ruled out after suffering a neck injury against the Dragons last weekend, and is expected to be sidelined for up to six weeks. Leinster hooker Sean Cronin was one of seven additional players called into the squad a s a precautionary measure as Best was struggling to prove his fitness.
It adds to the likelihood that Richardt Strauss will make his debut against the Springboks on Saturday week.
The midfield combination will be interesting with O’Driscoll out injured. Paddy Wallace is not in the squad and Gordon D’Arcy is struggling at the moment with an injury, though he is expected to resume training in the next day or two.
South Africa will bring a hugely physical dimension to their game – the Argies aren’t shrinking violets either – so if as expected Keith Earls gets to play in his favoured position of 13, his choice of partner will tell a lot about the development of the side.
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