The unhappy news that greeted those on Saturday concerned the situation that necessitated the immediate return home of Frank Sheahan and, not unnaturally, a definite air of gloom hung over the Irish party. Sheahan's Munster/Cork Constitution colleagues, Donncha O'Callaghan, John Kelly and Anthony Horgan were among the second group and they arrived in the team hotel as arrangements were being made get Sheahan back to the airport for the long flight home.

Sunday morning dawned fine and sunny but the morning gave way to a torrential rain in the afternoon by which time the Munster hooker was on his way home.

Today the squad will be given the opportunity to recover from the long journey and Monday will also be a recovery type day with the side for the Test against Australia due to be named on Tuesday lunchtime (local).