Ireland forward stood down with immediate effect as Andy Farrell confirms major blow

Ulster forward James McNabney has been ruled out after suffering a head injury during Ireland's 43-15 victory over Fiji.

And the timing could hardly be worse.

The 23-year-old was making his Test debut when his big moment turned into a nightmare.

McNabney produced two thunderous carries, coming within inches of scoring his first international try.

But his dream debut lasted barely four minutes.

A blow to the head ended his afternoon, with the youngster unable to return.

Under the mandatory 12-day return-to-play protocol, McNabney will now miss the Springboks' visit to Dublin.

Speaking after the match, Farrell revealed that McNabney was already joking about his remarkably short debut.

"He's joking in the changing rooms," Farrell told reporters.

"He's delighted with himself for the shortest cameo of a first cap."

The Ireland boss even suggested it might have been the finest three-and-a-half-minute debut in the country's history.

But there was a sting in the tail.

According to The Irish Times, Farrell confirmed that McNabney had been firmly in his plans for the South Africa showdown.

"He was in our thoughts 100 per cent in regards to next week," he admitted.

McNabney joins Caelan Doris, Jack Conan and Sean Jansen on the sidelines.

That's four back-row options unavailable before the world champions even arrive in Dublin.

And Farrell's treatment room is getting rather crowded.

Centre Jamie Osborne also suffered a suspected pectoral injury just four minutes into the Fiji clash.

Meanwhile, replacement prop Sam Illo is undergoing head injury assessment protocols.

Ireland eventually ran out comfortable winners against Fiji, although the scoreline disguised a far more uncomfortable evening.

As highlighted in our Ireland player ratings against Fiji, Farrell's men were made to work considerably harder than the final score suggested.

Now comes the real heavyweight test.

South Africa arrive at the Aviva Stadium next Saturday, with Ireland's forward resources already stretched.

And against the Springboks' enormous pack, losing another powerful ball-carrier is about as welcome as a scrum against a brick wall.

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