Mack Hansen’s availability for this weekend’s World Cup quarterfinal match against New Zealand has been confirmed as “all good” after his captain’s run on Friday.
Despite recovering from an injury sustained during last Saturday’s victory over Scotland, Hansen was picked in the starting lineup on Wednesday.
A calf injury sidelined the Connacht winger, and there was little chance he would recover in time for the All Blacks match.
Although Andy Farrell took a chance by starting the 25-year-old, there were still concerns that he would be left off the squad later in the week.
Rather, Hansen participated in the session at the Stade de France in Paris and was pictured doing so. He has been cleared to go ahead of Saturday.
Participating in the pre-match routines with his teammates, Hansen was deemed’sprightly’ despite having his calf heavily bound up.
“Yes, all of them are in good shape, and Mack appears as energetic as ever, so he’s progressed well,” Ireland’s backs coach Mike Catt said to the press in Paris.
He’s good to go, unhindered.
Of Ireland’s 33-man World Cup team, thirty-two participated in the practise, with Keith Earls being the only one having to sit out due to an ongoing injury.
Robbie Henshaw and James Ryan participated despite not being listed in the matchday 23 lineup; the latter had undergone surgery in Dublin for an injury to his wrist.
Robbie Henshaw, who has hamstring issues, and James were both doing exceptionally well during training, according to Catt.
“If Ireland wins, they’ll be available for next week.”
The game is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. (Irish time) on Saturday, and a sizable audience is expected to watch it nationwide.
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