Irish hit by O'Driscoll, D'Arcy injuries

Ireland's much-vaunted centres Brian O'Driscoll and Gordon D'Arcy are both doubtful for the Six Nations match against Scotland next weekend after sustaining hamstring injuries in the 28-17 win over Italy on Sunday.

D'Arcy, the player of the 2004 tournament, managed little more than 25 minutes before being replaced by Girvan Dempsey on his return to the Ireland team after spending most of the year sidelined with groin injuries.

Irish captain O'Driscoll, whose breaks from centre set up Ireland's first two tries at the Stadio Flamini in Rome, limped off in the dying moments of the match.

"Both have the same injury," Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan, whose team face the Scots at Murrayfield next Saturday, told BBC TV. "Both have picked up hamstring (injuries).

"Gordon when he was running at full flight and Brian was in a ruck and got hit from behind. It has happened to him before.

"Gordon isn't good I think. He will be under terrible pressure for next weekend. Brian I don't know yet. He is currently being assessed but it doesn't look great to be honest.

"He was tired as well so it's hard to know how much damage there is. The doctor and the physio are working on him at the moment and we'll have more information (later).

"Injuries just happen and are part and parcel of the game. It will be a very tough week ahead of us now."

Based in large part on the presence of O'Driscoll, who is widely regarded as the best centre in the world, and D'Arcy, Ireland were thought to have a great chance of winning their first title in 20 years, if not a first grand slam since 1948.

- REUTERS