Should Joe Schmidt risk Cian Healy in either of Ireland's first two Rugby World Cup games against Canada and Romania?
The prop's fitness has been the main concern leading into the Rugby World Cup and ex-Ireland captain Keith Wood assessed the options on Off The Ball tonight as he joined us and The Irish Times' Gerry Thornley ahead of Saturday's opening match against the Canadians.
"You figure exactly how his injury is and if they say he's fit and he's able to play, you gauge how much time you can get. If he can only get 30 minutes, put him on the bench and if you can get 50 minutes, start him. I just think he's a class player," said Keith.
"We need him against Italy and France and then from thereon in and our team will not be lessened for not having a fully fit Cian Healy for the first couple of weeks."
Keith also gave his take on how Ireland should rotate their options as they build momentum and try to peak in time for the France game and subsequent tests in the latter stages.
"I think you pick as close to your first team for the game against Canada and you get them off the field when the game is won and then you can reverse that around somewhat for the second game. Again, I think you're getting as close to full strength for Italy because you cannot take anything for granted and then you hope all the guys are fully match sharp by the time we come for the big decider for us which is obviously France."
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