Ireland were dealt a blow on Thursday when one of their star players was ruled out of the remainder of the Six Nations due to injury.
Livewire wing James Lowe will play no further part owing to the groin injury he suffered early on in last weekend’s 42-21 thrashing of England.
The 33-year-old New Zealander had only just returned to the starting lineup in the 20-13 win over Italy the previous weekend.
The 45-times capped was surprisingly omitted from the opening 36-14 hammering by France but was one of the few players to shine against the Italians.
Lowe will miss Ireland’s two remaining matches – both at home – against bottom-of-the-table Wales on 6 March and title contenders Scotland on 14 March.
Lowe’s absence means coach Andy Farrell is without both his first choice wings, Mack Hansen having played no role at all in the campaign because of a foot injury.
However, Robert Baloucoune and Tommy O’Brien – who came on for Lowe – impressed in the rout of England at Twickenham.
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Both the Irish and the Scots entertain outside hopes of winning the title, though France can seal it with a bonus point victory in Scotland on Saturday week.
Scotland are second in the table on 11 points, four adrift of the French, with the Irish third on nine.
On the final weekend, even if France have already clinched the titled, the Irish and Scots could battle it out for the Triple Crown – the prize for one of the four Home Nations of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales if they beat all the others in a single Championship season.
– AFP
Photo: Evan Treacy/Getty Images
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