Rugby World Cup 2011: D'Arcy and O'Connell Irish injury doubts
Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union
Paul O'Connell and Gordon D'Arcy are doubtful for Ireland's next Pool C game after suffering hamstring strains in the World Cup victory over Australia.
The Irish management said both players would be monitored in the build-up to Sunday's match against Russia.
Centre D'Arcy limped off during the 15-6 win over the Tri-Nations champions while British and Irish Lions lock O'Connell completed the match.
Coach Declan Kidney is likely to rest some players for the Russian match.
Ireland, now favourites to top their pool, will then complete their group games against Italy in Dunedin on 2 October.
If they win Pool C, Ireland would set up a quarter-final probably against Wales, Samoa or Fiji.
The Irish players had a day off after arriving in Taupo, with the team still on a high after the surprise win over the Wallabies.
"There was an incredible buzz around the lads when we were setting off from Auckland," said O'Connell's second row partner Donncha O'Callaghan.
"You sort of expect that after a good win, but something we have all been chatting about is that we need to remain focused on the job at hand."
O'Callaghan said it was important that Ireland maintained the level of intensity they showed against the tournament's second favourites Australia.
"The work ethic was always very high over the last couple of months, but it was about making sure we did that work justice by delivering it on the pitch," O'Callaghan said.
"I think we managed to do that, but the challenge is now to keep the standards of our preparations up this week to reach the Russia game in as good a shape as possible."
