Sod's Law decreed that following David Humphreys's injury-enforced exclusion from the Italian game, the main injury doubt resulting from the weekend's club matches would be Ireland's other noteworthy performer in Murrayfield, Dion O'Cuinneagain.

Ominously, the 26-year-old back-rower was taken off after nine minutes of Sale's win over London Irish on Saturday with a shoulder injury. However, according to Irish manager Donal Lenihan, O'Cuinneagain's injury may not be as serious as it looked.

"I spoke to Dion this morning (Sunday). He's had this shoulder problem since Murrayfield and I think he's been pressurised into playing each week since. He didn't feel it was right from the start on Saturday and so came off almost immediately.

"I don't think he's in any serious danger of being ruled out next Saturday," added Lenihan in advance of Ireland's redemptory outing against the Italians, "but obviously we'll have to take a closer look at him when the squad comes together."

Lenihan does not envisage any other injury concerns when the squad assembles today. "Other than that (O'Cuinneagain's injury) nobody else rang over the weekend. It helped that Saracens didn't play and Woody (Keith Wood) didn't play. Ross (Nesdale) emerged okay from Newcastle's Cup semi-final win on Saturday and Rob Henderson's okay. Indeed he scored a fine try for Wasps."

Were O'Cuinneagain to be ruled out, presumably Andy Ward would be restored to the team and one of the Shannon back-rowers, who have been selected en bloc for the A team, would be promoted to the bench.

Allen Clarke, a replacement on the A bench, is doubtful for Friday night's game against the Italians.