Ireland captain Jamie Heaslip said that Jonathan Sexton's injury is a "massive" blow for the team but has urged his team to emulate their performance against France last week.
Sexton has been ruled out of tomorrow's quarter final against Argentina with a groin injury, so Ian Madigan will come into the squad, while Paddy Jackson makes the bench.
"Massive. Missing Johnny, Pete, Paul, JP,” Heaslip said, acknowledging Ireland’s other injury absentees; Peter O’Mahony, Paul O’Connell and Jared Payne.
“They’re all guys you’d like to have in your squad, but you have to play the hand you’re dealt.”
Madigan came on in place for Sexton in last week's 24-9 win over France and his performance has made him Joe Schmidt's obvious choice to replace the 30-year-old.
“Ian stepped in (last week) and we all got the same gameplan we were running during the week. It’s not ideal, but it is what it is.”
Ireland take on Argentina on Sunday afternoon at 1pm in the Millennium Stadium.
Via the42
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