South Africa vs Ireland: Dan Sheehan and Craig Casey to miss second Test

Dan Sheehan and Craig Casey will miss Ireland’s second Test with South Africa after being injured in Saturday’s defeat by the Springboks.

Uncapped Ulster scrum-half Nathan Doak and Connacht’s Dave Heffernan have been called up to the squad for the second Test in Durban.

Hooker Sheehan was forced off at half-time after sustaining a knee injury in the 27-20 loss in Pretoria.

Scrum-half Casey was stretchered off after his head hit the turf following a tackle by RG Snyman in the second half.

He is set to be replaced by Munster team-mate Conor Murray, while Connacht’s Caolin Blade will likely take Murray’s place on the bench.

Ronan Kelleher came off the bench for Sheehan on Saturday while Ulster’s Rob Herring is also in the travelling squad.

Doak was part of the Emerging Ireland squad that played in South Africa in September 2022, while hooker Heffernan has won six Ireland caps.

Leinster centre Robbie Henshaw is among a number of players who are being monitored before Saturday’s match with the world champions in Durban.

Jamie Osborne, who scored Ireland’s first try on his debut, Bundee Aki, James Lowe and Andrew Porter also picked up knocks, with the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) set to issue a further medical update later in the week.

Andy Farrell will name his team for the match on Thursday as Ireland look to earn a draw in the two-match series.