Irish coach Declan Kidney says he has “a fair idea” who will fill the number 13 jersey in Brian O’Driscoll’s absence during the Six Nations.
Keith Earls, Fergus McFadden, Tommy Bowe and Andrew Trimble are the main contenders to fill O’Driscoll’s sizeable boots while the great one recovers from a long-term shoulder injury, but Kidney has admitted that he has pretty much made a decision on Drico’s replacement, even if he wouldn’t let on who he had in mind.
“I have a fair idea in my mind who will replace Brian,” said Kidney, coy as ever.
“Keith Earls, Fergus McFadden, Tommy Bowe and Andrew Trimble have all played well there in the past. There’s even the option of having Paddy Wallace and Gordon D’Arcy there too.
“It won’t be a like for like replacement, there are different combinations available. Brian hasn’t been too willing to give the jersey up.
“Everyone’s wondering what does the jersey feel like because he’s had it for so long. You don’t lose one of the best players in the world and think it will be the same,” he added.
As is his wont, Kidney effectively said a lot without saying anything at all and Irish rugby fans are none the wiser as to who will get the nod. He’s perfectly entitled to hold back too, considering that he wouldn’t want to be giving anything away to Wales coach Warren Gatland ahead of the first game on Sunday week.
Although Kidney was giving little away, McFadden and Earls appear favourites to start at outside centre, considering that Bowe and Trimble are likely to be utilised on the wings.
As long as Deccie himself knows what he’s doing, that’s good enough for us for now.
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