Healy to miss Ireland opener

Published: Thursday, 8. September, 2011 in category Northern Hemishere
Healy: Ruled out

The prop was already a doubt for the clash after he suffered an eye injury against England in the final warm-up international.

However Ireland team manager Paul McNaughton has now confirmed the Leinster ace will miss the match - although he should be fit to face Australia six days later.

"The medical advice was that Cian will be not be able to resume contact until this weekend," said McNaughton.

"But he will be fit and available for selection against Australia."

Tom Court or Tony Buckley will now look to replace Healy in the Ireland front row.

Meanwhile the rest of the Irish squad has been given a clean bill of health with Sean O'Brien, Gordon D'Arcy and Rob Kearney all passed fit to face the USA.