Leinster ‘Confident’ O’Driscoll Will Be Fit

The Leinster squad were put through their paces at UCD today ahead of their final Heineken Cup pool encounter away to Exeter Chiefs next Saturday.

Following last Saturday’s bonus point victory over the Scarlets, there are a number of niggles which will be monitored by the medical team ahead of the team announcement for the Exeter match.

Brian O’Driscoll experienced some discomfort after rolling his right ankle which may limit his on-field involvement early in the week but the province’s management are confident he will be fit for selection by Thursday.

Cian Healy was replaced at half-time after producing a typically lung-bursting display, while Jonathan Sexton, who received plenty of physical attention from the Llanelli side, was replaced by Ian Madigan late on as a precaution.

The Scarlets victory marked forward duo Tom Denton and Aaron Dundon’s Heineken Cup debuts for Leinster, the latter being particularly impressive with ball in hand.

Otherwise, the management should be in a position to select from a strong panel for next Saturday’s all-important round 6 game.

Sean O’Brien was a late withdrawal from the Scarlets game due to illness, but he is expected to resume full training this week as will Kevin McLaughlin (shoulder).

Ireland hooker Richardt Strauss will be available for selection, while Isa Nacewa successfully came through his comeback game after missing the last few weeks with a forearm injury.

In a further boost, following his recent quad injury, David Kearney successfully came through his comeback game in the Leinster ‘A’ team’s British & Irish Cup win over Pontypridd earlier on Saturday afternoon in a game which also saw second row Mark Flanagan (back) return to action.

The province’s ‘A’ side travel to Leeds Carnegie this coming Saturday in the final round of the pool stages.