Rugby World Cup 2015 fixtures: Double blow for Ireland while skipper Paul O’Connell remains major doubt
Ireland have suffered a double blow ahead of Sunday’s World Cup quarter-final against Argentina after flanker Peter O’Mahony was ruled out of the tournament with injury and Sean O’Brien was cited for striking.
Munster’s O’Mahony had to be withdrawn 14 minutes into the second half of Ireland 24-9 victory over France at the Millennium Stadium after suffering knee ligament damage. Leinster’s Rhys Ruddock has been called up by Ireland coach Joe Schmidt.
O’Brien faces a disciplinary hearing today after appearing to punch France’s Pascal Pape on Sunday, and if the citing is upheld would see the 28-year-old receive a minimum two-week ban.
Skipper Paul O’Connell remains a major doubt after suffering a hamstring injury against Les Bleus, although initial clincial assessments on fly-half Johnny Sexton’s groin problem were said to be encouraging.
Scotland, meanwhile, could be without hooker Ross Ford and lock Jonny Gray for their last-eight tussle with Australia after being cited for dangerous tackles against Samoa.