Gordon D’Arcy failed a fitness test on his injured hamstring this morning and has been ruled out of tomorrow’s match with Scotland. D’Arcy had initially been doubtful along with Brian O’Driscoll when named in the squad but after scans on Monday both were named in the team.


However yesterday O’Driscoll withdrew from the squad and that was followed by D’Arcy’s withdrawal today. The backline will now take an unfamilar look with Kevin Maggs and Shane Horgan paired in the centres, and Girvan Dempsey taking Horgan’s spot on the wing.


Eddie O’Sullivan is not phased by the injuries. “We have been practising with this line-up through the week just in case.” Cynics may think that Ireland always knew that this was going to be the line up and that the week has been an excercise in mental warfare with Scottish coach Matt Williams.

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