Johnny Sexton ruled out of Ireland v Argentina World Cup clash
Sunday 18 October 2015 13:17, UK
Fly-half Johnny Sexton will miss Ireland's World Cup quarter-final against Argentina because of injury.
Ian Madigan will start Sunday's battle with the Pumas in Cardiff, with Paddy Jackson taking a seat on the bench.
Sexton has been struggling with a groin injury which he suffered in the first half of last weekend's Pool match with France.
He was named in the starting line-up on Friday, but aggravated the problem in training and has now been ruled out.
Scrum-half Isaac Boss has been drafted into Ireland's squad to replace the injured Jared Payne, to offer extra half-back cover.
"Johnny Sexton trained fully yesterday," said forwards coach Simon Easterby. "He had a bit of tightness in there, he was sent for a scan and it showed the strain.
"He was pretty down on himself after last weekend having to come off and being the guy he is, he was exactly the same when he found out he couldn't make it this week.
"He did everything he could. He trained yesterday and unfortunately it's one of those things.
"In his position as well it's difficult when you're kicking, at goal and drop-outs and things like that, with a groin issue.
"You all saw what Ian Madigan did last week against France, he showed what he's capable of, and we know he can do it again."
Captain Jamie Heaslip said: "Johnny's a massive loss to us, of course. I know Johnny's gutted but he's also helping Ian prepare and doing everything for that.
"But you've just got to play with the hand you're dealt with. He didn't react well, and we heard last night he went off to get checked what the news was."
Madigan came of Test-match age against France, bossing Ireland's backline with poise and verve.
The 26-year-old playmaker must now repeat that feat, but this time from the off, against the fluent and threatening Argentina side that have lit up the World Cup with their ebullient counter-attacking style.
Ireland: 15 Rob Kearney, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Keith Earls, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 Dave Kearney, 10 Ian Madigan, 9 Conor Murray; 1 Cian Healy, 2 Rory Best, 3 Mike Ross, 4 Devin Toner, 5 Iain Henderson, 6 Jordi Murphy, 7 Chris Henry, 8 Jamie Heaslip (c).
Replacements: 16 Richardt Strauss, 17 Jack McGrath, 18 Nathan White, 19 Donnacha Ryan, 20 Rhys Ruddock, 21 Eoin Reddan, 22 Paddy Jackson, 23 Luke Fitzgerald.
