RUGBY: Ferris in fitness race
ULSTER'S Stephen Ferris is being given every chance to prove his fitness ahead of Saturday's huge Six Nations Championship clash against France.
The backrow enforcer missed the opening 29-11 win over Italy in Dublin last Saturday with a troublesome knee problem - but Irish coach, Declan Kidney kept the blindside position open for the British Lion yesterday.
Kevin McLaughlin, who made his debut in last week's lacklustre opener, remains on standby to replace Ferris.
Kidney said: "We'll make a decision as soon as we can with Stephen, but sometimes you don't make a decision until you have to."
Ulster fans will be hoping Ferris will make the squad, as he will be the only player from the Province on the starting '22' after winger, Andrew Trimble was a possible injury concern.
Trimble returned to the senior team last week after an absence of almost two years - with the exception of a cameo replacement role against Fiji last November - and many felt he had done enough to hold his place.
However, a hamstring strain, had left a doubt in the minds of the management and Kidney said last night: "Andrew tweaked his hamstring and we wanted to give him full time to recover."
Keith Earls comes onto the wing for Trimble, who is likely to be named on the bench.
Kidney added: "I wanted to give Andrew a go to see how he went last week. He went well but Keith deserves his go now."
Rory Best (hooker), Paddy Wallace (backs) are likely to join Trimble on the bench, along with prop, Tom Court.
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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