MONDAY, 12.30PM:
THE IRISH rugby team currently on tour in South Africa have a tough week ahead after losing a second tour match against Western Province at a wet and muddy Newlands on Saturday.
Both sides found the conditions virtually unplayable, and the final score of 12-6 reflects the nature of the match. No tries were scored by either team, and referee Jonathan Kaplan succeeded in blowing up what little of the match there was.
The tourists , who also lost 27-20 to South Western districts last week, have made three changes to the side that will play Vodacom Cup champions Griqualand West at Hoffe Park in Kimberley on Tuesday.
Justin Bishop replaces Kevin Maggs on the left wing, Derek Hegarty the party’s third scrumhalf will get his first run on Tuesday, and loosehead prop Des Clohessy will scrum down with brother Peter, after being flown in to replace Reggie Corrigan.
Flyhalf Eric Elwood who had to withdraw from the Province match due to a shoulder injury should be fit for Saturday’s first Test against the Springboks in Bloemfontein.
Keith Wood, Ireland’s international hooker will probably play in the second half against Griquas on Tuesday in order to give him some match practice ahead of the Test.
Meanwhile, the Griqualand West side has also made three replacements to its line-up. Franco Engelbrecht will replace injured skipper Luther Bakkes at number eight and also take over the captaincy. Robert Markram replaces left wing Jearus Nicholas, while Boeta Wessels stands in for Springbok call-up Gaffie du Toit.