The Irish Rugby Football Union has confirmed that stars Dan Sheehan and Craig Casey will miss the second Test against South Africa in Durban due to injury.
Scrum-half Casey will sit out because of a concussion suffered in a challenge by former Munster team-mate RG Snyman which saw him leave the field on a stretcher, while Leinster hooker Sheehan sustained suspected ligament damage to his left knee as he tackled Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth.
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Ulster half-back Nathan Doak and Connacht forward Dave Heffernan have been drafted into the squad as a result.
A statement from the IRFU said: “Following medical assessments after Saturday’s opening Test, the Ireland management can confirm that neither Craig Casey (concussion) nor Dan Sheehan (left knee) will play any further part in the South African series which concludes next Saturday in Durban.
“Connacht hooker Dave Heffernan and Ulster scrum-half Nathan Doak have been called up and the duo have linked up with the squad in Durban.”
Ireland went down 27-20 to the world champions in Pretoria on Saturday despite scoring two tries inside the final six minutes as the hosts survived a concerted fightback.
