Ireland's Flannery out of RWC

Auckland - Ireland hooker Jerry Flannery has been ruled out of the remainder of the Rugby World Cup after suffering a torn calf which will see him sidelined for up to six weeks, team officials confirmed on Wednesday.

The Munster front row stalwart suffered the injury in training in Auckland and an MRI scan confirmed the extent of the damage.

Sean Cronin will slot onto the bench for Saturday's crucial Pool C clash with Australia at Eden Park.

Munster's Damien Varley has been called up to the squad and he is expected to arrive in New Zealand by Saturday.

"Obviously it is particularly disappointing for Jerry to have suffered this injury at this point in the tournament," Ireland team manager Paul McNaughton said.

"With the fact that he is out for four to six weeks, we needed to make the decision to fly Damien Varley down as soon as possible."