SCRUM-HALF and captain Niall Hogan remains a worry for the Irish management as they continue preparations for Saturday's international against Australia at Lansdowne Road.

Hogan did not take part in a 90-minute session at the University of Limerick yesterday and team manager Pat Whelan said later that he would have to undergo a fitness test this afternoon.

"It's 60-40 in Niall's favour at the moment but he certainly remains a doubt," said Whelan, who also reported that reserve out-half David Humphreys is another undergoing treatment for ankle damage.

The squad, minus Rob Henderson and Niall Woods who have returned to London for treatment on their back and knee injuries respectively, will again work out at the University of Limerick today when they will hope for a vast improvement on yesterday's appalling weather conditions.