BRIAN O’DRISCOLL AND Paul O’Connell both trained fully this morning and are in the selection mix for Saturday’s Test against Samoa.
O’Connell, who is the favourite to be named Ireland captain, took a full part in training with the squad at Carton House. Forwards coach John Plumtree told TheScore.ie the Munster lock had a good chance of starting against Samoa but getting a full match out of him may be doubtful. “Whether he can go 80 [minutes] or not?” Plumtree mused, “I’m not sure.”
O’Driscoll is said to be eager for game time as he last featured competitively on 27 September in Leinster’s league win over Cardiff Blues. Plumtree is optimistic that Ireland could get a whistle-to-whistle performance out of their inside centre. The Kiwi said
He’s our most experienced lock. He’s been the glue in that pack for a fair while. He’s important. He’s still keen, still enthusiastic and still loves playing for Ireland, so he’s important. Today was his first real training with the team as such. He went through all right so he looked good.”
The talismen last appeared on the pitch together in the Lions’ First Test win over Australia during the summer. Their last outing in the green of Ireland was in the World Cup quarter final defeat to Wales in October 2011.
If O’Connell is named in the starting line-up, it is likely he will be named Irish captain. When asked about O’Connell’s leadership qualities today, Ulster flanker Chris Henry described him as an “inspirational character” but gave no hints away at who head coach Joe Schmidt will pick to lead their country.
