SEAN O’BRIEN HAS been included in the Ireland Wolfhounds team to face the England Saxons at Musgrave Park tomorrow evening [KO 19.45].
The Leinster back row makes his return from long-term shoulder injury problems at openside flanker, having last played in September’s Guinness Pro12 clash against Glasgow Warriors.
Felix Jones captains Dan McFarland’s side from fullback and is joined in the back three by Fergus McFadden and Luke Fitzgerald. Keith Earls continues his recovery from knee injury at 13, outside the veteran Gordon D’Arcy.
Ian Madigan gets a chance to reacquaint himself with the out-half position just over a week before the Six Nations opener against Italy on 7 February, partnering Connacht’s Kieran Marmion in the halfbacks.
O’Brien makes up an all-Leinster back row with Jack Conan and Dominic Ryan, while Mike McCarthy is paired with Iain Henderson in the engine room. Richardt Strauss is at hooker, as Mike Ross gets a chance in the number three shirt, while Jack McGrath returns from suspension at loosehead.
Connacht’s Nathan White is included on the bench ahead of the Six Nations, while young Eoin McKeon will hope to impress too. Isaac Boss, Noel Reid and Craig Gilroy provide cover for the backs.
Meanwhile, Sam Burgess has been given the nod at inside centre for the Saxons. Their backline also includes Chris Ashton, Marland Yarde and Exeter’s exciting Henry Slade.
Matt Kvesic, Thomas Waldrom and James Gaskell will lead the charge up front.
Ireland Wolfhounds:
15. Felix Jones (captain)
14. Fergus McFadden
13. Keith Earls
12. Gordon D’Arcy
11. Luke Fitzgerald
10. Ian Madigan
9. Kieran Marmion
1. Jack McGrath
2. Richardt Strauss
3. Mike Ross
4. Iain Henderson
5. Mike McCarthy
6. Dominic Ryan
7. Sean O’Brien
8. Jack Conan
Replacements:
16. Rob Herring
17. Michael Bent
18. Nathan White
19. Robbie Diack
20. Eoin McKeon
21. Isaac Boss
22. Noel Reid
23. Craig Gilroy
