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Double boost for Ireland

19th February 2013 17:23

Brian ODriscoll

Fit for Murrayfield: Brian O'Driscoll

Brian O'Driscoll and Sean O'Brien are both expected to be fit to start for Ireland in Sunday's Six Nations clash against Scotland at Murrayfield.

Both returned to full training on Tuesday having picked up injuries (ankle and hamstring resepectivley) in the 12-6 defeat to England in Dublin.

Uncapped centre Luke Marshall should be able to replace the injured Gordon D'Arcy after recovering from the dead leg suffered on duty for Ulster last Friday.

Second row Donnacha Ryan is however doubtful having taken only limited part in training due to a back spasm.

"Brian and Sean trained this morning and are expected to be fully involved for the rest of the week," said team manager Mick Kearney.

"Donnacha continues to recover from a back spasm. He took part in some of the session today and we're continuing to monitor his rehab.

"Luke Marshall has recovered really well from his dead leg and trained fully this morning. There are no concerns about him."

Kearney admitted that Ireland are still considering an appeal over Cian Healy's three-week suspension give that, in effect, it rules him out for four weeks.

"My own view is that there was a certain degree of ambiguity in the hearing's decision," said Kearney.

"While Cian was suspended for three weeks, he was ruled out of rugby for four weeks. That's an area we'd like clarity on.

"But unless we feel we have very good grounds for appeal, we won't appeal it."

Head coach Declan Kidney will name his team to face Scotland on Wednesday.

Comments

porridge_time says...

PREEST... Scotland managed to win with less possession and territory against Italy, but somehow I don't think this will be a possibility against Ireland.

Hopefully Scotland can bring Maitland and Visser more into the game, but that can only happen if the forwards can produce a decent amount of quick ball.

Posted 10:27 20th February 2013

99call says...

connaughtabu

I would have to say Stevenson but to be honest hes the better of 2 average players, ideally Tuohy would be in there but hes just coming back from injury and as much as many will call for Henderson hes not ready for international 2nd row play yet hes a massive talent a great in the backrow at this level but hes too lightweight for an international lock at the moment, give him a year or too to bulk out and he will be a star

Posted 10:08 20th February 2013

Irishzimbabwean says...

connaughtabu - logic says Ryan Caldwell but since when did DK use logic?

Posted 09:23 20th February 2013

connaughtabu says...

Now if Donnacha Ryan cries off, Ireland will be in a right old pickle - Toner or Stevenson?

Posted 05:57 20th February 2013

PREEST says...

I would love to see Scotland wim but somehow it seems very unlikely. Would also love to see the Scots use their two brilliant wingers more often. We certainly know what Maitland can do when given the space.

Posted 00:00 20th February 2013

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