Hayes is only concern for Irish

Aside from monitoring the return from injury of Shane Horgan, the only concern for the Irish management arising from the weekend's club activity centred around John Hayes.

The Shannon prop departed from the fray during his side's defeat at DLSP with a groin strain, but it is thought it will not jeopardise his fitness for the final Six Nations game against Wales next Saturday.

"I spoke to John over the phone and it doesn't seem to be a major problem," said Irish manager Donal Lenihan yesterday.

"He sustained a slight groin strain and came off, but mainly as a precautionary measure. We don't envisage a problem, it was a slight twinge and he seems happy enough."

The squad assembles tonight and will hold a private session in Greystones tomorrow.

"We'll have to wait and see how well Shane Horgan does on Tuesday," said Lenihan.

The management will reveal their starting line-up and replacements for the Welsh match, as well as the A side for Friday evening's game at Donnybrook after an open session at Greystones on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Wales full back Matt Cardey is doubtful for Saturday's game. Cardey ended up in hospital as his club Llanelli reached the Welsh cup semi-finals with a 36-17 win over Newport in a blood-and-thunder tie on Saturday.

Cardey was stretchered off just before half-time after taking a knock on the head when chasing his own kick and was attended by four doctors. "We were lucky that there were two top surgeons there," said a relieved Gareth Jenkins, Llanelli's coach.

"The good news is that he will be fine. He regained consciousness quickly, but is being kept in hospital as a precaution. That means there must be some doubt about whether he will be fit to play for Wales in Dublin next week."

There was also an injury scare over another Wales man. Number eight Scott Quinnell returned to Llanelli's back row after being ruled out against Scotland, and left Saturday's match in the second half.

"Scott is carrying this shoulder injury we all know about and the game was won, so we could take him off," said Jenkins.

For watching Wales coach Graham Henry there were many anxious moments - but at least he will know that scrumhalf Rupert Moon is ready and eager to face the Irish.

Moon took his usual quota of knocks, retired early, but emerged to announce: "I'd be delighted to go to Dublin if selected."