E-mail Article Print-Friendly Version Contact Us Subscribe to RSS Feed

Ireland`s Best intentions

All For One: Ireland want to give Simon Best reason to cheer

Ireland assistant coach Niall O'Donovan believes the sad departure of Simon Best will give Ireland extra motivation to record a big win over Argentina on Sunday and duly book their place in the World Cup quarter-finals .

The Ulster star is still undergoing tests after being rushed to hospital on Wednesday night. Although no definitive diagnosis has been made, his condition is thought to be a cardiac issue.

Fears over the 29-year-old's health have eased but news of his illness stunned the Irish camp and the prop is set to return home from the World Cup this weekend.

The loss of Best is Ireland's latest setback of an eventful tournament, and O'Donovan admitted it was wrench for the squad to leave him behind as they transferred from Bordeaux to Paris on Friday afternoon.

"The news on Simon is a huge relief to the squad. I went with some of the lads to see him last night," he said.

"He's in great form. I was relieved actually when I saw him - he's like a fella who's ready to play a game.

"Unfortunately he has to stay in and undergo further tests today and tomorrow. Hopefully, he'll be out by Sunday or Monday.

"It was a relief seeing him because the reports over the last few days got people down a bit, but to see the state he's in is a great pick-up for everyone.

"Leaving him was tough on the squad - and me as forwards coach - because we're a tight-knit group.

"Simon is a great member of the squad and has been for a long, long time. He's also a great guy who has great respect from everybody.

"Leaving him last night inside the hospital was a sad moment for him and a sad moment for us.

"Hopefully what's happened will give the lads a lift going out against Argentina."

Simon's brother Rory has been named on the bench against the Pumas and O'Donovan is backing the Ulster hooker not to become distracted by the his brother's condition.

"Rory is in great form. We all know Rory well, he's a tough guy," he said.

"I'd have no fear of Rory appearing on Sunday during the game. There was a bit of banter between the two of them at hospital.

"Stuff like Rory not caring about what way Simon was! It was friendly, good fun. Simon was as normal as I've ever seen him

"He didn't look like a patient in the hospital - he looked like a guy who was ready to go out and play a rugby match."