Johnny Sexton and Robbie Henshaw have been ruled out of Ireland's Test match against Australia this Saturday at Aviva Stadium.
The announcement came at today's press conference at Carton House as Ireland revealed the damage following their ultra physical battle with double world champions New Zealand last Saturday.
Henshaw suffered a concussion following a high tackle to the head from openside Sam Cane, which forced his withdrawal just 11 minutes in the tie at Irish rugby HQ.
Sexton followed soon after when he left the field on 18 minutes with a hamstring issue.
Paddy Jackson and Garry Ringrose replaced the pair on Saturday and both look to be front runners to slot in from the start against Michael Cheika's Australia. Ulster's Stuart Olding and Munster's Rory Scannell have also been called into the squad as cover. Olding featured on the summer tour to South Africa, while Scannell is uncapped.
CJ Stander and Rob Kearney also suffered concussions in the tie and are undergoing return-to-play protocols this week.
Simon Zebo had to leave the field of play with seven minutes remaining against the All Blacks due to cramp and will also potentially be fit to return to action this Saturday.
Tighthead Tadhg Furlong will have a dead leg monitored over the coming 24 hours and is another that may be fit for the final clash of the November series.
Back row Peter O'Mahony, second row Ultan Dillane and back-three man Keith Earls, who all had minor injuries last week, will train fully in the run up to the Australia clash.
