Stephen Ferris to miss Italy game

"Stephen Ferris looks certain to join Ireland's list of absentees for next weekend's Six Nations opener against Italy in Rome.

The Ulster player told BBC Sport on Friday that he was resigned to missing the match because of a knee injury.

"It's now looking as though I'm going to miss the Italy game," said Ferris.

Already out for the injury-hit Irish are Tommy Bowe, Shane Horgan, John Hayes, Jamie Heaslip, Andrew Trimble, Rob Kearney and Geordan Murphy."

Source: BBC website

What are your thoughts about Irelands 6 nations hopes?

Ferris is a fantastic player, so he will be missed, but as always it gives Kidney an opportunity to really test others out and see what strength Ireland really have in the back row.

Could be a blessing in disguise in the long run.