Scrum-half Nathan Doak and hooker Dave Heffernan have been drafted into an injury-depleted Ireland squad for their upcoming clash against South Africa, the national rugby union announced on Tuesday.
The pair jetted to the coastal city, where the match is scheduled for Saturday, following injuries to scrum-half Craig Casey and hooker Dan Sheehan in the first test.
Sheehan sustained a serious left knee injury during Ireland’s 27-20 loss to the reigning world champions in Pretoria last Saturday and could be out of action for up to nine months.
Meanwhile, Casey is recuperating from concussion after a tackle by South Africa’s RG Snyman, who is set to join Leinster next season after playing alongside Casey at Munster.
Heffernan, capped seven times by Ireland, bolsters the hooker options alongside probable starter Ronan Kelleher and Rob Herring under the guidance of head coach Andy Farrell.
Veteran Conor Murray is slated to replace Casey in the starting lineup, which will be finalized on Thursday. Completing the scrum-half choices are Caolin Blade and the yet-to-be-capped Doak, who are part of the touring group.
Despite suffering a hand injury in the first test, prop Andrew Porter is expected to start for Ireland, who currently occupy the top two spots in the world rankings.
In further concerns for Farrell’s squad, centers Robbie Henshaw (head) and Bundee Aki (shoulder), winger James Lowe (thigh), and full-back Jamie Osborne (groin) are undergoing fitness evaluations.
A victory for Ireland in Saturday’s match would square the two-test series against the four-time World Cup champions.
The nations have clashed 29 times since 1906, with South Africa prevailing in 19 encounters, Ireland triumphing in nine, and one match ending in a draw.
