The chances of Keith Wood recovering from his neck injury in time to play Australia early next month have been rated as 50-50.
Wood has been given the all-clear by medical experts to increase his training regime but the prospects of him regaining full fitness in time for the November 9th international hang in the balance.
The Ireland captain has not played for club or country since aggravating an old neck problem on the long-haul return trip to Siberia to face Russia last month.
