Is playing Rory Best a risk?

Now I think Best has been playing some of the best rugby of his career during the tournament and hope hes back to 100% for Saturday but would it be a risk playing him if hes anything short of 100%(or as close as a rugby player can be) considering the location of his injury and how that could affect him espicially in terms of the lineout

Yup its a risk. I'm sure if he's not fit he won't play.

I dont actually dont see the guy playing and see this as a smoke screen I also remain very doubtful about Lydiate playing. I'm also wondering what effect this great desire to play Best is having on the guy who is due to replace him -

I heard it was a partial dislocation, an AC joint injury.

I am not sure 1 week is enough of a rest to get over that although he seems to be taking part in training.

I'm not sure he will be risked. What if it went again in the first 5 mins.

They have named him in the team to give him as long as possible knowing they can pull him out at the last minute.

Nothing short of 100% is enough at this stage. Leave him out and he'll that much more likely be at his rory for Ireland's next game should they win (which they won't either way). Put him on with a niggle and he could suffer a much longer stay on the sidelines.

Added to that he could underperform during the actual game and put the result at risk other than just himself. Never worth it imo.

Its not a risk. Its a tendon on his AC joint. He will be injected for the pain but risk of further damage is limited unless he tears it altogether which means he would be out for 4 to 6 weeks.

When a player knows he's carrying this injury its bound to be on his mind irrespective IMO; it will reduce his impact in the loose and of course he will be targeted. If he's not 101% I think its a big risk.

I've seen footage of Lydiate training with the team this week, so it is a seriously cunning wheeze if he's not fit.

RubyGuby wrote:When a player knows he's carrying this injury its bound to be on his mind irrespective IMO; it will reduce his impact in the loose and of course he will be targeted. If he's not 101% I think its a big risk.

I don't really think this is true,if you ask any athlete they will tell you it is extremely rare that they are 100% fit.There is almost always some little niggle or strain that they play through.

There are niggles and strains but this is a different type of injury to one you can carry - This is a brutal contact sport we are talking about and his reflex reactions will be affected. Trust me

BOD's been playing with a bollixed shoulder and Ferris is playing with bollixed knees. Sure why can't Best play with a bollixed tendon.

Seriously though, I hope he plays. Even if he doesn't I'm glad he's not out of the World Cup. It seems he'll be back for the semi final if we beat Wales.

Ireland have confirmed Rory Best in the starting lineup for Saturday. This meets the tournament requirement that squads are confirmed two days before a match.

The report says he could still be withdrawn if he fails to recover sufficiently however it would seem unlikely they would go into this game with effectively one hooker. That would be suicide.