RULED OUT OF action for three weeks on Monday, in with a starting chance for the Pro12 Grand Final on Tuesday – Sean O’Brien is trying his best to impersonate Lazarus.
The flanker picked up a ‘knee on knee’ injury in Friday’s 34-13 Amlin Challenge Cup victory over Stade Francais and was effectively ruled out of Saturday’s league final with Ulster by British & Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland. Around the same time [Monday afternoon] Leinster said the Carlow native was ’50/50′ for the upcoming clash at the RDS.
Gatland’s grim declaration that O’Brien may not be ready to play again until the third or fourth game of the Lions Tour was tempered on Monday night by Lions medic, Dr James Robson. Speaking to TheScore.ie on Tuesday, Lions forwards coach Graham Rowntree gave Leinster supporters further hope of a miraculous recovery for The Tullow Tank.
“It’s my understanding with Sean that he is getting a lot better,” said Rowntree. “He’s got a lot better over the last 24, 48 hours and, in regards to this weekend’s game, it’s watch this space.”
Asked, later, to expand on his initial comments on O’Brien’s fitness, and his chances of facing Ulster, Rowntree said, “I think that will be confirmed by the weekend.
At this point in time he is getting better; better than first hoped. That’s up to Sean and Leinster, whether he plays or not. My understanding is he is getting better.”
Rowntree added, “He’s been in to see us, to see what we’re doing, but he has been with both [Lions and Leinster].”
“I have seen him today,” he remarked. “I can confirm that.”
Having made one quip, the former England prop stated he was not trying to be funny when he said O’Brien’s best position was back-row. He commented, “I think Sean can play all three positions, he’ll be a good impact player. He’s an exceptional talent.”
