Ireland rugby duo Johnny Sexton and Robbie Henshaw are set to miss this weekend’s Autumn Nations Cup match against England.
Captain Sexton was replaced in the second half of Ireland’s 32-9 victory over Wales in the first round of the inaugural tournament after sustaining a hamstring injury. His Leinster teammate Henshaw also picked up an abductor muscle injury.
The fly-half has had a scan on his hamstring after leaving the field in the first half of Friday’s game. Head coach Andy Farrell is now left with a selection issue as former Gloucester fly-half Billy Burns also received a knock to the head meaning he will follow return to play protocol meaning his involvement could be in doubt.
But on the positive side, British and Irish Lions second row Iain Henderson has returned to training after unconfirmed medical problems.
3 – @JohnnySexton @BillyBurns10 & @ConorMurray_9 all slotted penalty goals for @IrishRugby v Wales, the 1st time 3 different players have kicked penalties for them in a match; also just the 2nd time in 15 years that Ireland have landed 6+ pens in a match (6 v France 2015). Goals. pic.twitter.com/ESyqAyrroi
— OptaJonny (@OptaJonny) November 16, 2020
Ireland travel to Twickenham with the hosts having seen off a weighty Georgia 40-0 in their opening game with a hat trick of tries from Jamie George.
England coach Eddie Jones has targeted this weekend’s game for his side, saying: “We realise the Ireland game is going to be the most important game of the year,”
“Ireland will be cock-a-hoop after their win against Wales so they’ll come with plenty of confidence and swagger.” Said the Australian.
England beat Ireland 24-12 in this years Six Nations at Twickenham in which Henshaw scored one of Ireland’s two tries.
Extended highlights….
Re-live England's 24-12 win over Ireland from round three of the #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/0rNqHarnsZ
— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) February 24, 2020
Farrell spoke following his sides’ comprehensive victory over Wales, saying: “We’re a new group that’s trying to get as cohesive as we possibly can, as soon as we possibly can. Because that’s what international rugby is all about.”
The Englishmen will hope to get one over his former team but will have lots to consider over the next few days. Kick off is at 3pm Saturday
(Quotes sourced from England Rugby and Ireland Rugby.)
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