Rugby:The Irish management will wait until the results of a scan before making a decision on Stephen Ferris's availability in next week's test against South Africa. Ferris injured his right ankle during Ulster's 45-20 win over Edinburgh last night and is a real doubt to face the Springboks.
The blindside flanker had to be helped from the pitch at Ravenhill after shipping two heavy knocks in quick succession shortly after half-time. Ulster coach Mark Anscombe told reporters afterwards that the Ireland international’s ankle was swelling badly and it was “certainly not looking good” with regards his involvement in the opening match of the November series.
Ferris was due to have a scan this afternoon when the swelling had subsided and an IRFU spokesman indicated today that it would be tomorrow before any decision is taken. His likely absence will be another massive blow to head coach Declan Kidney who has already lost a number of key players for the matches against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina.
Fullback Rob Kearney failed to make the initial squad as he required back surgery while captain Brian O’Driscoll and hooker Rory Best were subsequently ruled out after picking up long-term injuries last weekend. Munster skipper Paul O’Connell is rated 50-50 for the opening match and Ronan O’Gara and Cian Healy have also been carrying injuries.
Last night’s appearance against Edinburgh was Ferris’s first match in almost a month as he returned from a back problem that has disrupted his season to date. If, as feared, the latest setback proves to be a serious one the 27-year-old is facing another spell on the sidelines.
South Africa will arrive in Ireland with depleted squad of their own but captain Jean de Villiers believes his team can shrug off a long list of injuries and prevail on their European tour.
"We have come a long way as a team this year but we are looking to improve and take our game to the next level and win all three matches on tour," the former Munster centre said yesterday. "We have a lot of youngsters because we are missing some injured players with a lot of experience. Guys like wing Bryan Habana, loose forwards Pierre Spies and Schalk Burger and hooker Tiaan Liebenberg."
Eslewhere, Argentina’s Patricio Albacete will miss the trip to Dublin after it was confirmed that he needs surgery on an eye-socket injury and will be out of action for a month. The Toulouse second row sustained the injury against Racing-Metro on Thursday.
Albacete will be replaced by Tomas Vallejos and Argentina coach Santiago Phelan has also recalled the former Leinster outhalf Felipe Contepomi, who last played for the Pumas in the 59-10 thrashing by France in June.
