AN INJURY sustained by Craig Casey (Shannon/Munster) in Ireland’s Rugby World Cup warm-up win (33-17) against Italy over the August Bank Holiday Weekend at the Aviva Stadium isn’t serious, according to Head Coach Andy Farrell.
Scrum-half Casey had been performing well alongside his Munster colleague Jack Crowley in a youthful half-back pairing until his enforced departure early into the second period.
“Craig had a tight back which led to a cramp in his hamstring,” explained an unworried Farrell.
Also on the treatment table with Casey are Leinster duo Jack Conan and Jimmy O’Brien.
“They seem not too bad,” Farrell said. “Jimmy’s shoulder has shut down a little bit, it’s something he’s had in the past. Jack has lost power in his foot, it seems okay.”
Loosehead prop Dave Kilcoyne (UL Bohemian/Munster) crossed for the opening try, only his second ever score in an Ireland senior jersey. He previously grabbed a five point against Georgia some years ago.
Veteran of three World Cups, Keith Earls (Young Munster/Munster) played the whole fixture. It was Earls’ 99th senior appearance for his country.
Young Munster’s Calvin Nash earned his first international cap on Saturday when introduced around the hour mark as a replacement for Robbie Henshaw.
