Mick O'Driscoll replaces O'Connell for Italy-Ireland Six Nations clash

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2007

DUBLIN (AFP) — Lock Mick O'Driscoll has been brought into Ireland's starting fifteen to replace the injured Paul O'Connell for Saturday's final Six Nations clash with Italy at the Stadio Flaminio.

With O'Connell out with a fractured right thumb suffered in the 19-18 victory over Scotland and O'Driscoll promoted to the starting line-up, Leinster's Trevor Hogan will step up to fill the vacancy on the bench.

O'Driscoll, who plays for Munster like O'Connell and fellow lock Donncha O'Callaghan, could well also fill the breach for his province in the European Cup quarter-final with Welsh side Llanelli on March 30 as O'Connell is slated to miss at least a month of action.

Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan, who has guided the Irish to three Triple Crowns in four years,...