Rugby Union: Wallace to strengthen Ireland's Lions collection: Injured Hunter prepares for a six-week lay-off from the game

Steve Bale,Nz
Sunday 23 May 1993 18:02 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

RICHARD WALLACE, of Ireland, is to join the British Isles tourists in New Zealand as replacement for Ian Hunter, who dislocated his right shoulder during the Lions' 30-17 defeat of North Auckland in the opening match of the tour.

The announcement was left until last night after the Lions had driven from here to Auckland, where they play North Harbour on Wednesday. The delay was caused by Wallace being in Moscow on business.

The 25-year-old Garryowen wing, who has 10 caps, will bring the Irish representation in the tour party to three. He is due to arrive in time to watch Wednesday's match, when the 15 Lions who did not start against North Auckland will form the team.

Wallace will not be required to play until Wednesday week, when the Lions face Canterbury, an all too painfully familiar territory for him. Against these opponents a year ago he was put out of Ireland's NZ tour by an Andy Earl punch that broke his jaw.

By contrast Hunter's tour ended accidentally when tackling David Manako, the North Auckland left wing, after 38 minutes of Saturday's game. 'It was the most painful thing I've ever done,' Hunter lamented yesterday. His arm will be in a sling for a fortnight and he would not be able to play for six weeks.

The Lions record stands to Stuart Lane, the Wales flanker hurt after 47 seconds of the opening match in South Africa in 1980.

BRITISH ISLES (v North Harbour, Auckland, 26 May): G Hastings (Scotland, capt); I Evans, S Gibbs (Wales), W Carling, T Underwood; R Andrew, D Morris (England); N Popplewell (Ireland), K Milne, P Burnell (Scotland), M Bayfield, W Dooley, M Teague, D Richards, P Winterbottom (England).

Nervous Lions,

Tour matches, page 24

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in