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DUBLIN - Captain Brian O'Driscoll is set to play in Ireland's opening World Cup match against Namibia on Sunday after making a good recovery from a fractured sinus, coach Eddie O'Sullivan said on Wednesday.
"Brian took a full part in training yesterday and I think the medics are happy to clear him for this weekend's game. That is a great boost for everyone," O'Sullivan said on the Irish Rugby Union's website (www.irishrugby.ie).
O'Driscoll sustained the injury and a deep laceration under his right eye when he was punched in a warm-up match against French side Bayonne last month. "I took a bit of contact during the week and I was happy with how I came out of that and there were no side-effects," he told RTE Radio before leaving for France.
"Another couple of contact sessions and I am sure I will be raring to go."
Flanker David Wallace is also ready to play on Sunday after recovering from an ankle njury.
"David has taken a full part in training for the last few days and he's had no reaction so it's all good," O'Sullivan said.
O'Sullivan said outside back Shane Horgan, who is still recovering from a knee ligament strain, was unlikely to play in their first Pool D match.
"I don't think Shane will be ready this weekend but certainly he looks good for the week after against Georgia," he said.
- AFP
