Declan Kidney has made no changes for the team that will play Wales in Wellington on Saturday, but he has his fingers crossed over the fitness of Rory Best.
The Ulster hooker was expected to miss out due to a shoulder injury but Kidney believes that his recovery so far has been good and he expects Best to be ready to face Wales.
“We have to put a team in 48 hours before kick-off. 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.”
If Best does fail to make it, then Sean Cronin will step in but you can understand why Kidney wants to keep the fearsome Irish scrum intact for as long as possible. Paul O’Connell, who left the Italian game early with a small concern over his hamstring, is also included.
In the backs, Conor Murray keeps the number nine shirt, while Ronan O’Gara continues at out-half and on kicking duties.
Kidney said: “Half-back is the most competitive area of the team. I know it’s unconventional to use different half-backs at different times.
“When they’ve been on the pitch they’ve brought their own things to it. For example Jonathan was hugely strong for us in defence in the last 10 minutes against Italy.
“Eoin robbed two great balls for us in the last 10-15 minutes. Leaving them out isn’t easy, but Conor and Ronan have gone quite well for us.”
Ireland (to play Wales): 15. Rob Kearney 14. Tommy Bowe 13. Brian O’Driscoll 12. Gordon D’Arcy 11. Keith Earls 10. Ronan O’Gara 9. Conor Murray 1. Cian Healy 2. Rory Best 3. Mike Ross 4. Donncha O’Callaghan 5. Paul O’Connell 6. Stephen Ferris 7. Sean O’Brien 8. Jamie Heaslip.
Replacements: 16. Sean Cronin 17. Tom Court 18. Donnacha Ryan 19. Denis Leamy 20. Eoin Reddan 21. Jonathan Sexton. 22. Andrew Trimble.
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