O’Driscoll, who limped off in a Celtic League match with a hamstring injury, had been a major doubt for the RBS Six Nations campaign, but had recovered sufficiently well to be included in O’Sullivan’s squad for the visit to France last weekend.
However, the player decided a return to action against ‘Les Blues’ would have been a week to early, and he withdraw from the squad last Tuesday. Now, following five days rest, he seems likely to be, at the very least, be included in a twenty-two that must beat Wales if they are to arrest their slide in the World Rankings.
It was only two seasons ago that Ireland thrashed Wales 54-10 at Lansdowne Road, now, with the momentum with Wales, a result of that type seems out of the question.
Ireland, who have not finished outside the top three in the past four seasons are under pressure following their 35-17 opening day defeat to France, Wales by contrast have already bettered their Wooden Spoon grabbing efforts of last year, and will seek to make it two wins from two in Dublin this weekend, the inclusion of the mercurial O’Driscoll, however, could throw a spanner in the works.
O’Sullivan is expected to name his starting XV on Thursday.
