Murray Kinsella reports from Stadio Olimpico
JOE SCHMIDT SAYS IRELAND are hopeful Sean O’Brien will be available to play in the Six Nations clash with France in Dublin next weekend.
The Leinster back row was set to start today’s 26-3 win over Italy in Rome, but a hamstring injury late in the warm-up at Stadio Olimpico meant he was ruled out.
In O’Brien’s absence, Munster openside Tommy O’Donnell stood in and impressed in a try-scoring performance in Rome. While there is reassurance in that O’Donnell display, Schmidt is hoping to be able to call on O’Brien against the French.
It was the very last thing we did in the warm up,” sighed Schmidt post-match at Stadio Olimpico. “He put his foot down and it slid out from under him and he tweaked his hamstring. His power is really good and it was probably a marginal decision at the time.
“But we didn’t want a repeat of the last time we came here [in 2013], when we did lose a few [players to injury during the game]. It was great that he was able to be replaced by Tommy O’Donnell in the manner that Tommy O’Donnell played.”
As for O’Brien’s potential involvement against France, Schmidt is positive.
“I’d be hopeful, I’d be quietly confident, but we will get a scan on him when we get back to Dublin, probably tomorrow evening. We’ll have an update on Monday I’d say, because that scan will be read and we’ll be able to give some more specific feedback then.”
Hooker Rory Best was replaced by Sean Cronin just six minutes into the second half, and appeared to be in some discomfort as he left the pitch after a head injury.
“Rory’s fine, I just spoke to him,” said Schmidt. “He did get a knock and we decided to err on the side of caution with him by keeping him out of the rest of the game. He’ll follow the return to play protocols, because we want to be fairly careful there.”
Ireland’s caution in that regard is hugely welcome, particularly after events involving George North in Cardiff last night. Having both O’Brien and Best fit to face the French would be a welcome boost for Schmidt.
Ahh poor Seanie. Hope he gets better
Bit of a lesson there for the Welsh Rugby Union getting Best off .. Better safe than sorry
The IRFU have and do care about their players, the Welsh on the other hand well just watch North hitting the ground for the second time in 40 minutes to see what they think about the welfare of their players
No guarantee he will start ahead of Tommy o donnell. He put in a good performance today and took his try well.
Don’t be daft .. Stupid comment
Lol kevin. You’d never know, I might get on ahead of POC.
As well as O’donnell played today unless O’brien is unfit/rested then O’brien will always be ahead of him. O’brien is one of the few Ireland players who would make a world XV.
What’s stupid about it? SOB has been out injured and tweeked his hamstring in a warm up.
He has had very little game time where as Tommy o donnell is fit and ready and playing well. If SOB isn’t 100% there is no reason why TOD shouldn’t shouldn’t start ahead of him.
I agree Kevin. It’s one thing putting in 50mins for the Wolfhounds and another stepping into a match against France without having a run against Italy first.
I’d rather see O’Donnell start and then bring Seanie on with half an hour to go to do a bit of damage when the French have tired. Then he has two weeks to rest and train up before England.
What does Gods sack look like?
It is good that Joe has stated his desire to play Sean O’Brien against France, if his hamstring twinge rectifies itself by then. To reinstate Sean O’Brien would not be a negative reflection on Tommy O’Donnell (who played well today), as Sean O’Brien would have started against both Italy and France if SOB was fit.
Typical fancy Dan stuff out of O’Brien. He wasn’t much of a loss anyway as he’s nothing but a poor man’s David Wallace. I, for one, wasn’t surprised that he pulled out – he’s too much mouth and not enough trousers. He saw the rain clouds building up and didn’t fancy it. He likes the glitz and glamour of facing England, France or Wales but he doesn’t want to put in the hard yards against Italy. No doubt he’ll go sidling up to Joe asking to be back in the team next week for the bigger game
You’re a tool John
Sure was glitzy below in Musgrave Park last week playing an A international alright!
just gway and learn how to spell Tyler Bleyendaals name ya numpty!!!
Thanks for the feedback, guys
Highly amusing
John Connor there’s a circus somewhere looking for you, I saw the poster ” missing bobo O’Connor ” reward for our loving but simple clown
I would be delighted if SOB starts the next day. 50-60 min of obriens hammering would exhaust any team and then maybe the fleet foot of tommy o donnell would make holes. Ian henderson is also a man mountain and he provides excellent cover(i would star him above toner) in second row or back row!
I would take many positives out off today. Keatleyis a man to get a job done, madigan is the man to add flare once a team is hit hard and slowing. and the irish have a bench and squad to get it done.