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CARDIFF - Captain Brian O'Driscoll is an injury concern ahead of Ireland's Six Nations match with France next weekend after damaging a hamstring in their 19-9 win over Wales in Cardiff today.
Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan said his chief playmaker was doubtful for Sunday's historic Croke Park encounter having sustained the injury early in the second half having scored a try late in the first.
But there was some good news for the coach with Ireland's other midfield maestro and man-of-the-match Gordon D'Arcy almost certain to shake off a groin strain and in time to face the French.
"Brian is a big doubt for next week and has gone straight into rehabilitation," O'Sullivan told a news conference.
"He felt a twinge in his hamstring during the second half but he played on despite the injury and he might have done more damage by playing on.
"Likewise, Gordon went into the game carrying a groin strain and he had to take some of the workload off Brian when his hamstring went, despite the fact he was carrying a leg injury himself. But he should be OK."
O'Sullivan said experience was the difference between the two sides and was pleased to leave Cardiff with three tries by hooker Rory Best, O'Driscoll and first five-eighths Ronan O'Gara while Wales managed only three Stephen Jones penalties.
"Experience was the big factor," said O'Sullivan. "We made mistakes around the breakdown which can be fixed easily but you can't quickly teach what to do under pressure or coach it in a few sessions.
"It was pleasing to score three tries and our defence was excellent. It wasn't a vintage display but you never come to Cardiff and have an easy win. You have to give some credit to Wales, they would be disappointed not to get something from the game.
"We won't get carried away with that result, if we play like that against France we will get punished, but I am reasonably pleased with our first game of the tournament."
Welsh halfback Dwayne Peel admitted his side were frustrated by the tough Irish defence which shut them out.
"We are bitterly disappointed to have lost our first game," he said. "There were parts of the game we had them under pressure but we made too many errors.
"Fair play to Ireland, they had us struggling for possession towards the end of the game and we didn't seem to be able to get out of our half."
Wales coach Gareth Jenkins, who was in charge of his first Six Nations game, said his side had failed to capitalise on periods of intense pressure.
"It was a wasted opportunity, we gave away tries far too easily," he said.
"Our spirit and endeavour was good but we showed a touch of naivety at times which cost us. But we have to carry ourselves up to Scotland next week in a positive mood.
"The Irish are a wily old bunch, they controlled the game without having much ball for long periods of time.
"They have another gear to go up, that is why they are pre-tournament favourites.
"They scored three tries and at times I was left wondering where those tries came from."
- REUTERS
