IT WAS a mornings of dramatic content for the Ireland team yesterday as they prepared for tomorrow's match at Parcdes Princes. Not alone is Simon Geoghegan out of the side, but blind side flanker Jeremy Davidson injured an eye in training, and tight head prop Peter Colohessy had back trouble.
As a consequence, Ireland manager Pat Whelan has called in Neil Francis and Paul Wallace as cover for Davidson and Clohessy respectively. Both travelled with the Ireland party yesterday afternoon.
Davidson was examined in hospital for a scratched cornea, but may still play. If he is ruled out, then Francis will play in the second row, Paddy Johns will go to number eight and Victor Costello will play at blind side flank. The decision to call Francis in was made after Davidson's examination.
Clohessy, who completed the training session yesterday, said, "I think I will be able to play." But Whelan was not prepared to take any chances as the prop in the replacement panel is Henry Hurley, who is a loose head.
"In the circumstances, it is imperative that we have the proper cover in case one or either of the players withdraws," said Whelan. It is a wise precaution.
A decision on the fitness of Davidson and Clohessy will be taken in Paris today. Ironically last year Ireland had to make three changes from the selected side on the eve of the match against France.
So there could be a dramatic return for Francis, dropped after, the match against Scotland. Walk lace has won three caps, against Japan in the World Cup, and against Fiji and the United States.
Despite the problems, Whelan was in upbeat mood about Ireland's prospects. "I certainly feel we can win if we play as well as we are capable of doing. I feel the French may not be in the most confident of moods after the defeat against Scotland. The changes they have made indicate that. But they are also capable of playing extremely well."
Geoghegan lost his battle against a hamstring injury and while that always looked the likely outcome, his withdrawal is nonetheless disappointing. His vibrant play and unbounded enthusiasm are a loss. Yet the man who will replace him on the right wing, Wallace, is a player of considerable experience with 23 caps and has played twice against France in Paris.
Geoghegan travelled to Dublin on Wednesday night and was examined by Ireland doctor Mick Molloy and physiotherapist John Martin. While there was some improvement in the injury it was not sufficient to enable Geoghegan to play. "The injury has improved, but unfortunately not enough," Geoghegan said before he returned to his home in London. "I hope to be able to train next week."
The Ireland party flew to Paris in the late afternoon. There will be a short training session today.
