Six Nations - Kidney coy on O'Driscoll replacement

Thu, 26 Jan 11:14:00 2012

Ireland coach Declan Kidney has chosen who will fill the boots of one of Test rugby's greatest players.

RUGBY O'Driscoll 2011 - 0

Brian O'Driscoll will miss the entire RBS 6 Nations after undergoing shoulder surgery, leaving an enormous hole at outside centre. It is an impossibly tough act to follow, but Kidney has selected the player he wants to start at 13 against Wales on Sunday week.

"I have a fair idea in my mind who will replace Brian," he said.

"Keith Earls, Fergus McFadden, Tommy Bowe and Andrew Trimble have all played well there in the past.

"There's even the option of having Paddy Wallace and Gordon D'Arcy there too.

"It won't be a like-for-like replacement, there are different combinations available.

"Brian hasn't been too willing to give the jersey up. Everyone's wondering what does the jersey feel like because he's had it for so long.

"You don't lose one of the best players in the world and think it will be the same."

PA Sport

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  1. Declan's absolutely right. It's the time for­ new faces. He has given his chosen backine, any one of­ which can occupy any of the backline positions, backed­ up by newcomers like Zebo and others. And it's­ many, many thanks to BOD and D'Arcy and others for­ their brilliant service over so many years. Slan.

    From Mr Bean, on Mon 30 Jan 15:25
  2. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    I'll play. OK, I'm 58 years old and not what­ I used to be, but I'll give it a lash.

    From Aulus Paulus, on Sat 28 Jan 22:22

  3. Ireland 4th favourates to win the 6 Nations at­ 6/1!!!!!....An Insult, ...head for the bookies !.

    From Eamonn, on Sat 28 Jan 17:34

  4. I think France must start as favorites Ian, Ireland­ will sorely miss Bod and that must be a weakness for­ them. Although the Irish regions are playing well it­ really has no bearing on the international scene, if it­ did then Wales would have no chance against Ireland­ next week considering only Cardiff had any impact in­ the heineken cup, but i think that Wales are too strong­ for the Irish at international level at present.

    From Pink Pig, on Fri 27 Jan 17:49

  5. What about having Pearson as the referee? Wales could­ have revenge for Alain R making the correct decision. ­ Will Pearson ever be able to ref again? NOT IF THEY­ VIEW HIS LAST ULSTER DEBACLE. Why are these people­ allowed to continue?

    From John, on Fri 27 Jan 8:42

  6. trimble, Bowe, Darcy & Zebo.

    From Reagan, on Fri 27 Jan 5:31

  7. The Irish are favourates on club form to win the six­ nations. They need a squad that can fill any­ replacement with adequate style to drive the passion to­ win.

    From Ian, on Fri 27 Jan 1:17

  8. pessimistic or realistic??! think bowe or trimble are­ better wingers than centres. Eoin griffin at connacht­ has what it takes to make a good 13 i think but will he­ get a chance doubt it unless he moves from connacht. Id­ say kidney will probably go with darcy and mcfadden.­ mcfadden offers a goal kicking option which may put him­ ahead of earls.

    From Raymond, on Thu 26 Jan 21:58

  9. Very pessimistic Raymond! Cant see earls or McFadden at­ 13 myself but there are a few people that I can see­ growing into that role. Would love to see Tommy Bowe or­ Trimble tried there myself, think that could turn out­ to be a great find for Ireland

    From royscannell, on Thu 26 Jan 19:59
  10. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    Certainly wont be the same, the 12 and 13 jersey is­ going to be a problem area for a long time to come. no­ ready made replacments for O' Driscoll or Darcy.­ not convinced of earls or mcfadden. defense is poor­ especially earls. would love to see Sean O'Brien­ tryed out in that inside centre role.

    From Raymond, on Thu 26 Jan 19:34
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