Ireland's talismanic captain Brian O'Driscoll has gone on the record to say that the gulf between the Irish First XV and second one is not as big as it was -- his theory may well be put to the test next weekend when the pre-tournament favorites face defending Six Nations champions France.
O'Driscoll himself may not make the match after feeling a twinge in his hamstring during the opening 19-9 win over 2005 Grand Slam winners Wales on Sunday and outstanding center partner Gordon D'Arcy is also a doubt with a groin problem.
A scan on Monday revealed that O'Driscoll's right hamstring was only mildly strained and he will be given until Saturday to prove his fitness.
While Ireland do have more strength in depth than in previous generations, if they are shorn of O'Driscoll and D'Arcy with doubts also over scrumhalf Peter Stringer, France is the last side to be facing.
However, Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan refuses to believe that the Irish performance was disappointing as many suggested and that France's 39-3 demolition of Italy was not as impressive as it looked.
"I thought they [France] were slow out of the blocks and, in fairness, Italy should have had six points on the board. They [Italy] weren't far away from a try and suddenly they were 6-0 down after a turnover," O'Sullivan said.
"That knocked the stuffing out of Italy. Once France got a grip on the game, got a bit of rhythm into their attack and got Italy on the backfoot they really were in control of the game," he said.
"We feel the exact same about next week. If we let France play like they like to play, it's a very difficult day. You've got to take the momentum away from them," explained O'Sullivan, whose team are aiming to become the first Ireland side since 1948 to complete a Grand Slam.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely