FULL BACK Jim Staples is out of the Ireland A side to meet France on Friday because of a recurrence of the jaw injury he sustained five weeks ago. Staples played for his club, Harlequins, last Saturday, but his quicker than expected return after the injury may in fact have been too hasty.
Paul Burke, who was the reserve outside half in the championship match on Saturday, is doubtful because of a knee injury. He was unable to train with the squad yesterday afternoon and there is some anxiety now about his fitness.
Number eight Eric Miller, reserve scrum half Stephen McIvor and A team number eight Anthony Foley were also unable to train. McIvor has an Achilles tendon strain and Foley a nose injury.
Miller did not train on medical advice as he is recovering from the ankle injury sustained in the match against Italy. Manager Pat Whelan said: "That is purely a precaution and we are not really worried about his fitness."
Staples replacement in the A side should be named tomorrow, as will a reserve prop forward for the senior team. The man named on the bench for the championship match, Gary Halpin, had to withdraw on Sunday because of a knee injury, and two of the squad missed the session yesterday, Simon Mason and Jonathan Bell. They were held up in a traffic jam in London. They joined the squad last night. The sessions today and tomorrow will be closed.
