In Pics: Ireland Training In Auckland
Having touched down in Auckland on Sunday night, the Ireland squad enjoyed a light run-out at Mt Smart Stadium on Monday in advance of their Test match against New Zealand.
There were gym and pitch sessions for the Irish squad on Monday as they adjusted to life in Auckland. They will be based there until Thursday’s transfer to New Plymouth where their clash with the All Blacks will be held on Saturday (7.35pm New Zealand time/8.35am Irish time).
Encouragingly, out-half Jonathan Sexton is available for selection after missing the Barbarians game. He has recovered from an infection in his gum close to where he had recent surgery on his jaw, and trained with the rest of the squad.
Clearing up some other injury news, team manager Paul McNaughton said: “Jerry Flannery is getting a scan on Tuesday morning when his calf injury settles down and depending on the results of that scan, he may join us.
“If the scan is clear, he’ll be with us and he will travel on Tuesday but he won’t be in consideration for this game.
“Shane Horgan, who missed the Barbarians match with a stomach complaint, is just continuing with some tests and again we’ll make a call on bringing him out on Tuesday or Wednesday at the latest, and again he won’t be considered for the All Blacks game.”
Click here for photos of the Irish squad training in Auckland.