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Rugby Union

Ireland 'missed O'Driscoll', says coach

14/02/2007

Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan has admitted that the absence of captain Brian O'Driscoll had been a major factor in his side's 20-17 defeat to France at Croke Park on Sunday.

The influential centre was forced to sit out Ireland's first-ever rugby union international in the famous old Gaelic football stadium last week, when a last-minute try from Vincent Clerc dissected the Irish midfield and put paid to the home side's Grand Slam dreams.

O'Sullivan has confirmed that O'Driscoll will recover from his hamstring injury to play against England on February 24th but he was left to lament the former British Lions captain's absence last week.

"I knew that no matter how well we prepared there would not be that edge to our attack and defence that Brian adds," O'Sullivan said.

"There would be no point in denying that we miss him because he is the best international centre in world rugby. I don't think any country in the world could replace Brian O'Driscoll if they had to.

"It hurt us not having him there and it was tough to have to leave him out."

Ireland are left with no option other than win every remaining game on their schedule and hope France and England both slip up along the way if they are to stand a chance of winning the Six Nations crown this year.

The Irish started the competition as the darling of the pundits but another heart-breaking defeat to France has once again put paid to their Grand Slam hopes, fuelling criticism that the "favourites" tag does not sit well with them.

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