Ireland's World Cup hopes were dealt a bitter blow when injury ended Paul O'Connell's international career, but yesterday brought news that O'Connell will return to camp after his surgery.
Speaking at the announcement of the Ireland team to play Argentina, Schmidt elaborated one what O'Connell's role will be, and what he expects of the former Ireland captain.
Schmidt has said that O'Connell won't be in the dressing room at the weekend. His surgery this week has meant that the towering second row hasn't been around the squad and helping prepare them for the weekend. Schmidt did give an update that his surgery went well, even commenting that he must be in good form, given what O'Connell's posting online.
It does sound like O'Connell's role will increase should Ireland overcome the challenge of Argentina, but for now he'll be a distant and comforting presence around the team.
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Picture credit: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE
