Easterby out and Wood doubtful

Injuries will weaken Ireland's hand on Monday when management announce the 22-man squad for the game against Australia this day fortnight. Simon Easterby's injured shoulder will definitely rule him out, and the chances are Keith Wood will miss out as well.

The captain is desperately keen to play against the world champions but Wood has been advised to rest for five weeks after aggravating an injured disc in his neck on the long-haul return flight from Krasnoyarsk after the World Cup qualifier against Russia.

Wood is due to start running again on Monday but with only one more match available to him, at best, before the Australian game the odds must be heavily stacked against him recovering in time.

Indeed, there must be a doubt as to whether Wood will be available for the other November internationals, against Fiji and Argentina.

Easterby injured his shoulder a fortnight ago playing for Llanelli and is not due to return for another two to four weeks, while Rob Henderson has also been ruled out of the three November matches following last week's operation on a torn bicep.

Eric Miller is due to return next week after his recent absence with a broken hand. Alan Quinlan is also in the equation, while Victor Costello's excellent form provides additional back-row cover.

The management team of Eddie O'Sullivan, Declan Kidney, Niall O'Donovan and Brian O'Brien will, between them, be taking in the games involving Munster, Ulster, Leinster, London Irish, Bath and Leicester, the latter suggesting Geordan Murphy could yet be elevated to the squad.