by PaulWirral » Tue Feb 08, 2011 2:44 pm
Declan Kidney to delay naming Ireland team until Friday
Ireland will delay naming their team for Sunday's Six Nations clash against France until Friday because of the squad's continuing injury problems.
Wednesday's scheduled team announcement has been cancelled as Declan Kidney gives a number of players more time to prove their fitness.
There is optimism that Jamie Heaslip and wing Andrew Trimble will be fit.
Stephen Ferris appears unlikely to be involved although he is not yet ruled out of the Aviva Stadium contest.
Tommy Bowe will miss Sunday's game because of a knee injury.
Ferris (knee), Heaslip (ankle) and Trimble (hand) also missed the win over Italy but they were among 11 players added to the squad on Sunday.
Brett Wilkinson, Mick O'Driscoll, Donnacha Ryan, Mike McCarthy, Nevin Spence, Johne Murphy, Denis Hurley and Gavin Duffy were also drafted in.
Ireland coach Declan Kidney reported a clean bill of health among the squad of 22 who travelled to Rome on Saturday.
Kidney may be tempted to make a number of changes to his starting line-up after an unconvincing opening display.
Ronan O'Gara staked his claim for a starting berth by kicking the decisive drop-goal against Italy after coming on as a replacement for Jonathan Sexton.
Gordon D'Arcy could also be under pressure to hold on to his starting place after a off-day against the Italians, with Paddy Wallace possibly in contention to partner Brian O'Driscoll.
Kidney may also mull over making changes to his front row after props Cian Healy and Mike Ross struggled against the burly Italians.
Tom Court was a second-half replacement in Rome and will hope to get the nod for Sunday's clash.
If Heaslip is passed fit, Denis Leamy could be under pressure to retain his starting role with Sean O'Brien, possibly moving to number six and Shane Jennings another back row option.
O'Gara believes his influence was key in preventing the Six Nations' greatest upset since Italy joined the championship in 2000.
"At that stage in the game you go at it and don't think too much, you just do your job," said the Munster half-back.
"The ability to do that comes with experience - as a youngster you don't understand that.
"I was told that once but it's when you get in my position - and I've been lucky to steer the Ireland and Munster ship for 10 years - that you understand it.
"Then someone like Jonny comes in and he's really good but to continue the analogy, when the ship hits choppy waters you bring someone in.
"Jonny played well, but I got backed to come on and try to win the game.
"It's important to have two fellas fighting it out because we can offer a lot going forward."
