Connacht's Dave Heffernan could be the man to start for Ireland against New Zealand at the Aviva Stadium on November 8 as Ireland's depth is being tested
The hooker has undergone a procedure and will be out for four to six weeks, Leinster have said, which means he is in a race against time to make the final couple of games in the four-match Test window, against Australia and Fiji.
Leinster will also be without pack stars Jack Conan and Joe McCarthy for Saturday's URC clash with Connacht due to hamstring injuries, while another hooker, Lee Barron, also has an ankle issue and so Emerging Ireland's Gus McCarthy could start at the Dexcom Stadium.Ryan Baird is undergoing return to play protocols and may yet play at the weekend, along with Robbie Henshaw - who could make his season debut.
Sam Prendergast, who started all three Emerging Ireland games in South Africa, may also feature. “He’s a real option," said Bleyendaal of Prendergast. "I asked him, ‘Mate, are you still walking?’ “I thought he went well. He was obviously given the reins to direct that team around for three matches and again he’s shown that he can control a game with his attacking kicking and he’s good with ball in hand when you give him time and space.
Leinster Rugby Ulster Rugby Dan Sheehan Ronan Kelleher Joe Mccarthy Connacht Rugby URC New Zealand Rugby Union Sam Prendergast Rob Herring Andy Farrell
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