Ireland star poised to travel to Oz with British & Irish Lions after scan result
The Ireland scrum-half missed out that success with what the Lions have described as a 'minor glute injury' but after a scan on Monday night, he will travel to Australia with the Lions after Friday night's opening tour game against Argentina at the Aviva Stadium.
"Good news on most of the injuries, actually, they're all a week or so away from being fit," said Andy Farrell this afternoon. "We didn't quite know until Jamison got another scan Monday night, I think. That was pretty positive as well.
"So Jack (van Poortvliet) comes over as cover for this game. Jamison should be up and running for the week after."
Hugo Keenan is also back on the training field after a calf issue also forced him to miss the URC final. "Huw Jones has trained with us this week, and he's been back into full training, so that's great," said Farrell. "Hugo Keenan ran for the first time a couple of days ago. Everything's going pretty well as far as that's concerned.
"And there's always one or two bumps and bruises that you're trying to nurse but that's the nature of rugby within itself. So, we're in good shape."
Tadhg Furlong has missed the last month of action, also with a calf injury, but he has been named on the Lions bench to face the Pumas.
"Well, he's fit," said Farrell. "He's fit and ready to go and is training well. And he's as keen as everyone else to get the show on the road."
One of the exciting combinations selected by Farrell for the game on Lansdowne Road is the pairing of Bundee Aki with Sione Tuipulotu at centre.
Asked what he was expecting from the duo, the head coach said: "Probably the same as what you're hoping to see. A dominant partnership, but we know that we're coming up against a side who are pretty good in those type of positions as well.
"So they've (Aki and Tuipulotu) been great. Getting on the same page, sharing each other's strengths and weaknesses and trying to get across what is a new system to everyone. So very diligent and excited to see that partnership, along with a few others."
Farrell wants to see "cohesion and connection" from his players, and an ability to attack the game from the kick-off.
He added: "For them to be the best version of themselves individually and collectively - you can give yourself any excuse in terms of time together, but we've had good preparation. If you want to be a good Lions player, you have to hit your straps straight from the off. We want to see these players compete."
And, back in Ireland after spending time in the Algarve with those members of the squad who weren't involved in the URC and Premiership finals, Farrell can't wait to get going.
"It's great, especially with all the sun around Dublin - it's been great hasn't it," he said. "We've come back from Portugal and kept the tan going.
"I've seen the buzz around the place over the last 18 months. The whole country is unbelievably excited, as are all the other countries. People are going to be travelling from everywhere. Dublin is going to be the place to be this weekend."
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