Irish rugby fans were sent into a mild worry this morning as reports of a Robbie injury emerged. Henshaw is one of the few players in the squad where it wasn't sure who is backing him up in the team.
Ireland then confirmed that Henshaw has picked up an injury, and Schmidt has drafted Luke Fitzgerald into the unfamiliar position of inside centre to replace him.
Joe Schmidt took the opportunity at the team announcement to reassure everyone about the Robbie Henshaw injury.
Joe: A tight hamstring rules @henshawrob out of the weekend. Okay to jog so precaution to rest him #ShoulderToShoulder
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) September 17, 2015
Schmidt gave a positive update on Henshaw's condition, saying that he is quietly confident that the Athlone flier would be ready for Ireland's next game against Romania.
It's curious that Schmidt preferred to play Fitzgerald in a strange position instead of bringing in the sole centre cover in the squad - Darren Cave. Cave's selection was a direct result of only bringing two scrumhalves - so it seems odd to reject the perfect chance to use him.
See Also: Joe Schmidt Announces Ireland World Cup Starting Lineup
Picture credit: Brendan Moran / SPORTSFILE
