O’Driscoll Primed To Explode

Ireland today went through their final preparations without any late hitches in the countdown to tomorrow’s Rugby World Cup Pool A deciding game against reigning champions Australia.

Keith Wood led his team out to the Whetton Aussies Rules Oval for the traditional eve of match Captain’s Run of about 80 minutes – and afterwards a clean bill of health was reported.

At 6 pm., the place kickers in the 22 man squad visited the magnificent 55,000 capacity Telstra Dome for a practice session as coach Eddie O’Sullivan addressed his final media conference before the most eagerly awaited game.

Meanwhile, former Wallaby great Mark Ella believes that Brian O’Driscoll is primed to explode in what he terms a credibility test for Australia.

O’Driscoll has cruised through the first three games but I have a feeling he will let loose against the Wallabies` Ella warns.

The brother of Gary Ella, new coach to Leinster this season continues: O’Driscoll is Ireland’s key. The Wallabies must close him down before he can become too great an influence on the game. He established himself as the premier centre in world rugby when he toured Australia with the British and Irish Lions in 2001, but he has been extremely quiet this tournament for a player who has the ability to dominate a game.

Content to let his centre partner Kevin Maggs do most of the heard work the time has come for O’Driscoll to play to his potential. Perhaps he has been saving all his energy for the Wallabies Ella predicts.