Ireland's Mack Hansen is 'good to run', according to Ireland's Attack Coach Mike Catt. Hansen suffered a calf injury in Ireland's final Pool B game against Scotland last weekend, and there were fears that he would miss this weekend's game against New Zealand in France.
However, Hansen was named in Ireland's starting 23 and starting 15 for the game. He has also come through Friday's captain's run without any setbacks.
"Yeah, everybody's fit, Mack looking sprightly as ever, so he’s gone well," backs coach Catt told reporters in Paris on Friday.
"He’s all good to run freely."
Catt has also given further updates on lock James Ryan and centre Robbie Henshaw. Ryan suffered a wrist injury in the same game as Hansen. Henshaw is still recovering from a hamstring issue that has plagued him this tournament.
Catt has confirmed that both will be available for the semi-final if Ireland manages to beat New Zealand this weekend.
"James is doing really well, Robbie Henshaw [hamstring] and James were out there at training, they are progressing well. They’ll be available for next week [if Ireland wins]."
Mike Catt confirms that Mack Hansen has come through Ireland's captain's run with no issues.
— Murray Kinsella (@Murray_Kinsella) October 13, 2023
Despite Ireland being favourites in the tie for the first time ever in a World Cup, Catt believes it would be foolish to rule out the All-Blacks in the tie. The Ireland coach believes that shades of the old Kiwi side are there for people to see, however they may be perceived in the media.
"What we've seen is the good All Blacks of old," added Catt.
"They are exceptionally dangerous with the ball in hand. Joe [Schmidt] has definitely brought a physicality at the breakdown and their ball-carrying.
"It was something Joe was massively passionate about with Ireland as well, especially in the wide breakdowns. Rieko Ioane, these guys are big guys and they put a lot of pressure in those areas, it’s making sure we match them physically.
"They’ve been tactically good in the same breath.
"Across the board, they’ve got a hell of a lot of experience, even coming off the bench, Sam Whitelock, these guys that have got hundreds of caps.
"They know exactly what they need to do to win these big occasions. It’s going to be a great Test match, and we are looking forward to it."
RWC Quarter-Final
Date: Saturday, October 14 2023
Venue: Stade de France, Paris
Kick-off: 8:00pm (9:00pm local)
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
TV Coverage: Live on ITV (UK), RTÉ and Virgin Media (ROI)
