IRELAND COACH JOE Schmidt looks set to rule Sean O’Brien and Rob Kearney out of Sunday’s Six Nations opener against Wales in Dublin.
Both players sat out Wednesday’s session in Carton House but had hoped to prove their fitness ahead of the weekend, with Tommy O’Donnell and Simon Zebo the men set take over at openside flanker and fullback respectively.
It now looks like O’Brien and Kearney will not take part in Ireland’s Six Nations opener, with both men continuing to struggle with hamstring issues.
Jared Payne and Robbie Henshaw look likely to resume their centre partnership for the clash with the formidable Welsh midfield duo of Jamie Roberts and Jonathan Davies. Johnny Sexton and Conor Murray are set to fill the halfback roles, with Andrew Trimble and Keith Earls the favourites to start out wide.
Jack McGrath, captain Rory Best and Connacht man Nathan White look likely to get the nod in the front row, with Mike McCarthy’s good form set to win him a second row place ahead of Donnacha Ryan.
A fit O’Brien would have been likely to join debutant CJ Stander and vice captain Jamie Heaslip in Ireland’s back row, but O’Donnell is now favourite to be named when Schmidt announces his matchday 23 at 1.45pm.
Possible Ireland XV (v Wales):
15. Simon Zebo
14. Keith Earls
13. Jared Payne
12. Robbie Henshaw
11. Andrew Trimble
10. Johnny Sexton
9. Conor Murray
1. Jack McGrath
2. Rory Best (captain)
3. Nathan White
4. Devin Toner
5. Mike McCarthy
6. CJ Stander
7. Tommy O’Donnell
8. Jamie Heaslip
