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Best: Heading home
Ireland prop Simon Best is expected to return home within the next 24 to 48 hours following an encouraging update on his condition.
The Ulster star, who has been ruled out of the remainder of the World Cup, was rushed to Bordeaux's Pellegrin Hospital on Wednesday nigh after developing a loss of sensation down his right side.
He also complained of a mild headache and a difficulty in speaking and underwent a series of tests, including an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan, a CT (computerised tomography) and an angiogram.
Tests carried out on Thursday at Haut Leveque - one of France's leading cardiological hospitals - have enabled specialists to eliminate neurological problems as the source of his condition.
Doctors now believe that the symptoms are related to a cardiac issue, but an exact diagnosis of the problem has yet to be determined.
Best, who transferred hospitals this morning, is comfortable and all his symptoms have resolved. He has been joined by his wife Katie, who arrived in Bordeaux this afternoon.
He will remain in hospital for further tests and it is hoped that he will be able to return home in the next 24 to 48 hours.
"This is very positive news for Simon and we will continue to monitor his progress carefully," said Ireland Coach Eddie O'Sullivan.
"The care he has received so far has been excellent and team doctor Gary O'Driscoll has been with him throughout."
Eddie O'Sullivan is also backing Best's brother, Rory, to overcome a harrowing 24 hours after naming the Ulster hooker on the bench for Sunday's World Cup clash with Argentina.
Best has been at his brother Simon's bedside since the Ireland prop, named among the substitutes against the Pumas, was admitted into hospital last night.
The encouraging medical update from Haut Leveque has eased fears and O'Sullivan has no qualms including Rory in the match-day 22 as back-up to Munster's Jerry Flannery.
"We have named Rory Best on the bench," said O'Sullivan.
"We did consider his brother Simon's condition when making that decision but Rory is a mentally tough individual and was adamant that he wanted to be considered for selection.
"We have no doubts that he will be ready if called upon."
O'Sullivan had left the hooking duties open at Tuesday's team announcement, but both Flannery (shoulder) and Best (dislocated thumb) passed fitness tests on Thursday afternoon.
Ireland (finalised):15 Geordan Murphy, 14 Shane Horgan, 13 Brian O'Driscoll (c), 12 Gordon D'Arcy, 11 Denis Hickie, 10 Ronan O'Gara, 9 Eoin Reddan, 8 Denis Leamy, 7 David Wallace, 6 Simon Easterby, 5 Paul O'Connell, 4 Donnacha O'Callaghan, 3 John Hayes, 2 Jerry Flannery, 1 Marcus Horan,
Replacement: 16 Rory Best, 17 Bryan Young, 18 Malcolm O'Kelly, 19 Neil Best, 20 Isaac Boss, 21 Paddy Wallace.
Date: Sunday, September 30
Kick-off: 17:00 (16:00 BST; 15:00 GMT)
Venue: Parc des Princes, Paris
Referee: Paul Honiss (New Zealand)
Touch judges: Mark Lawrence (South Africa), Craig Joubert (South Africa)
Television match official: Christophe Berdos (France)
Assessor: Steve Hilditch
