O’Sullivan sticks with tried and trusted troops

EXPERIMENT against Fiji, perhaps, but Irish coach Eddie O’Sullivan has gone with his tried and trusted internationals for the first of the autumn tests against world champions Australia on Saturday at Lansdowne Road.

Whereas Wallabies boss Eddie Jones is looking beyond Ireland to the England game as the pivotal leg of their four-match tour, the Irish management has gone for the big guns.

With Keith Wood missing, his rival for world player of the year last season Brian O'Driscoll will lead the side.

The inspirational centre said: "The captaincy of a side is important but it is much easier nowadays because we have so many experienced guys in the team. I will consult and I don't really believe I should have any problems in coping.

"I discussed the whole thing with Eddie (O'Sullivan) over a couple of days, consulted with my family, friends and colleagues and I am delighted. It is a great honour although I never expected to get it at this stage of my career."

The one major surprise in yesterday's team announcement was the selection of Victor Costello at blindside flanker. The St Mary's player has been on top form but will be playing out of position, which is a blow to Alan Quinlan, who has been kept in the reserves.

Shane Horgan was named on the right wing to the exclusion of John Kelly.

A vacancy has been left on the wing for Denis Hickie and the St Mary's and Leinster player yesterday expressed himself confident of making it. Although his injured hand remains in plaster, a message in biro stated: "This injury is not as bad as it looks." If Hickie doesn't make it the wing berth will be filled by either Kelly or Geordan Murphy.

Meanwhile, All Blacks superstar Jonah Lomu has been recalled to the New Zealand team for Saturday's Twickenham showdown with England.

Lomu's return to win his 62nd cap is no great surprise but New Zealand coach John Mitchell has caused a stir by leaving out prolific fly-half Andrew Mehrtens. Carlos Spencer has been given the number 10 jersey.

Spencer's half-back partner will be his Auckland colleague Steve Devine, who makes his Test debut barely 24 hours after being given clearance by the International Rugby Board.

Devine's participation was in doubt as he had played sevens rugby for Australia but the IRB ruled in his favour. Devine will be joined in the All Blacks team by four other debutants Waikato centre Keith Lowen, Taranaki hooker Andrew Hore, plus locks Ali Williams of Auckland and Waikato's Keith Robinson.