You are in > manchester.com  > News > O'Driscoll back but Stringer still doubtful

Rugby Union

O'Driscoll back but Stringer still doubtful

20/02/2007

Ireland's mercurial captain Brian O'Driscoll has been passed fit to face England in the Six Nations on Saturday but a decision on scrum-half Peter Stringer will be left until the last minute.

Both O'Driscoll and Stringer missed Ireland's 20-17 defeat to France at Croke Park on February 11th and their combined absence "hurt" the team, according to head coach Eddie O'Sullivan.

O'Driscoll's return to lead the team for the 35th time will be a welcome boost for Irish fans, as many felt a lack of leadership in the midfield was to blame for France's 79th-minute try that won the game.

If Stringer is unable to recover from the fractured finger that threatens his place in the starting XV, Ulster's Isaac Boss – who had an impressive game behind the pack against France – will retain the number nine shirt.

The return of O'Driscoll to outside centre – the only personnel change from the France match – means Geordan Murphy is left out of the 22 and Shane Horgan moves to the right wing.

Gordon D'Arcy is able to move back to his favoured position of inside centre having covered for O'Driscoll at number 13 last time out.

Ireland XV to play England:

15 Girvan Dempsey (Leinster)
14 Shane Horgan (Leinster)
13 Brian O'Driscoll (Leinster, captain)
12 Gordon D'Arcy (Leinster)
11 Denis Hickie (Leinster)
10 Ronan O'Gara (Munster)
9 Peter Stringer (Munster)/Isaac Boss (Ulster)

1 Marcus Horan (Munster)
2 Rory Best (Ulster)
3 John Hayes (Munster)
4 Donncha O'Callaghan (Munster)
5 Paul O'Connell (Munster)
6 Simon Easterby (Llanelli)
7 David Wallace (Munster)
8 Denis Leamy (Munster)

Replacements: Jerry Flannery, Simon Best, Neil Best, Mick O'Driscoll, Paddy Wallace, Andrew Trimble, plus one other (Boss or Eoin Redden)

© Adfero Ltd