Rugby Union: Topping out of tour

IRELAND wing James Topping will miss the rest of his side's tour of South Africa after injuring his shoulder in yesterday's victory over Boland.

Moseley's Darah O'Mahony has been called up by Ireland to replace the injured winger. "We are trying to get him here as quickly as possible," said Ireland press manager John Redmond.

He added that 26-year-old O'Mahony would "definitely be available for next Saturday's game against Western Province." Topping will fly home on Thursday.

To add insult, team manager Donal Lenihan has also revealed that experienced centre Jonathan Bell pulled a hamstring and it is touch-and-go whether he will play again in the seven-match tour.

"It is a 50/50 situation. The first two days are the worst, I'm told," Lenihan said. "We will only know by Wednesday whether Jonathan will be able to play again on tour, but we are not asking for a replacement for him yet."

An X-ray examination revealed Topping had cracked a bone in his shoulder when he fell awkwardly as he scored his second try in the 48-35 win.

Dion O'Cuinneagain, Denis Hickie, Conor O'Shea and Conor McGuinness also claimed tries and the Irish were grateful for their accurate boot of Eric Elwood, who converted all six tries and added two penalties.

It was Elwood at his brilliant best - as he so often has been for Ireland - and the Irish needed him, particularly in the second half when they came under increasing pressure. The Irish were 24-7 ahead at half-time but after the interval Boland came right back into the game and gave the Irish all the trouble they could handle.

Boland's tries came from Dale Santon, Francois Bleuler (two), McNeil Hendricks and Marius Goosen. Pieter O'Neill landed all five conversion attempts.

Prop Reggie Corrigan, who injured his back, will not be considered for the match against South Western Districts in George on Wednesday, but he should be fit for Saturday.