Ireland's injury crisis intensified yesterday after Paul O'Connell was ruled out of Saturday's Test match against South Africa, writes Duncan Bech.
O'Connell will miss the Guinness Series opener against the Springboks at Aviva Stadium because of a back injury that shows no signs of clearing up.
"Paul returned to training at the start of this week and took a full part in the squad sessions on Monday and Tuesday," read a statement released by the Irish Rugby Football Union. "However, he suffered a reaction and will not be fit for selection for this weekend's game.
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