James Ryan major doubt for New Zealand clash as Keith Earls’ hamstring issue adds to Ireland’s backline issues

The second-row came off the bench and made a big impact in the 36-14 win that booked Ireland’s place in the last eight, but was visibly struggling during the last 10 minutes of the game.

Assistant coach Simon Easterby said it was too early to give a definitive update on Ryan, James Lowe and Mack Hansen who all needed to be replaced against the Scots.

And while there are no guarantees the winners will be fit, the outlook on Ryan looks the most serious.

Lowe hurt his eye and came off at half-time, while Hansen pulled a calf after coming back on following a Head Injury Assessment.

Their potential absence is compounded by injuries to Robbie Henshaw and Keith Earls, who both have hamstring issues.

Neither took part in the warm-up and Easterby said they would train today and tomorrow to see where Ireland stand.

If all four are ruled out, then Ireland would be down to the bare bones in the outside backs.

Jimmy O’Brien has yet to feature at the tournament, with Hugo Keenan an ever-present and centres Stuart McCloskey, Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose all fit.

The injuries to Lowe and Hansen meant Ringrose and Jamison Gibson-Park deputised on the wing and did well, but New Zealand are a different proposition in the wide channels.

“Robbie did some running at the captain’s run, so we probably understand a little more about their injuries,” Easterby said.

“They’ll both be running today, Earlsy and Robbie and will sort of be progressing into training Monday or Tuesday.

“It’s probably a little too early to say either way, but if they get ruled out, Jimmy’s been waiting in the wings and did an incredible job last November to come in with a couple of late call-ups and did incredibly well.

“There’s no issue with Jimmy if he gets an opportunity and hopefully we’ll have a full deck to choose from come Tuesday or Wednesday.

Andy Farrell issues injury update on Hansen, Lowe, and Ryan

“Keith’s got a slight hamstring, so it’s one of those things that at a push he could have been involved this weekend, and it was probably one of those we felt wasn’t the right time to risk him, but we were really pleased it was flagged when it was and we had the opportunity to make the call early enough.

“Fingers crossed he’s fully fit for this week.”