In the aftermath of Saturday’s 30-14 defeat by Australia, Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan confirmed that lock Malcolm O’Kelly was conscious again after the heavy tackle that cut short his 75th cap.
Malcolm O’Kelly
In the aftermath of Saturday’s 30-14 defeat by Australia, Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan confirmed that lock Malcolm O’Kelly was conscious again after the heavy tackle that cut short his 75th cap.
The Leinster forward collapsed in a heap, 18 minutes into Saturday’s game, having been double-tackled by the considerable forces of Wallaby lock Nathan Sharpe and bulky centre Lote Tuqiri.
O’Kelly, Ireland’s record caps holder, fell awkwardly onto the Lansdowne Road turf, and having lost consciousness, was brought to a nearby hospital as a precaution.
Although partially recovered, O’Kelly is unlikely to figure in O’Sullivan’s plans for next Saturday’s permanent tsb International against Romania.
O’Sullivan said: “It was an unfortunate collision. Mal caught a shoulder in the face, but there was no malice in the tackle.
“He was out for the count, but he’s come round again. He’s in hospital and he’s back to himself but obviously it’ll take a while for him to fully recover.
“I would suspect Mal is out of the game next week, and a few of the other guys have picked up knocks. Shane Horgan has a very bad dead leg, and Matt McCullough has got a knock on the knee. I don’t know the exact nature of those injuries so we’ll just have to take a look at them tomorrow (Sunday).”
The Corkman is expected to make a number of changes for the game against the eastern Europeans, who beat Canada (22-20) for the first time ever in Bucharest on Saturday.
O’Sullivan added: “We always looked at the Romania game as one where we would change things around. The last couple of years in the autumn internationals the so-called easier game has came in the middle.
“This time it’s been tagged on at the end, so we’ve always planned to have a look at a few players in that game.”
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