Ireland have two main injury concerns after a disappointing defeat against England. In the case of CJ Stander, it looks like it was certainly a significant blow.
Stander played until just after the hour mark, when he was replaced by Sean O'Brien. Speaking post-match, Joe Schmidt confirmed the Munster man had suffered a "facial injury." As it turns out, that was putting it mildly.
In attendance at the game was South African Olympic & World Champion Ryk Neethling. Having spent time with Stander after the game, he revealed that the number 8 played on despite two fractures in his cheek and eye socket.
The other injury concern is winger Keith Earls, who was twice hit late and eventually taken off at half-time to be replaced by Jordan Larmour. "He got his a couple of times early and was very sore," Schmidt explained.
Devin Toner was replaced due to an ankle knock and the quick turnaround to Scotland next week means Ireland will be sweating on the fitness of all three individuals this week.
