Battle for no 10 shirt hots up

COACH Eddie O’Sullivan believes the ongoing battle between Ronan O’Gara and David Humphreys for the number-10 position is one of the real plus points as Ireland build up to the Six Nations and, hopefully, the 2003 World Cup.

O'Sullivan wants similar duels for every position on the field. "If that was the case, I would be very happy," he said yesterday.

As Ireland announced a strong 15 for Saturday's clash with Romania at Thomond Park, O'Sullivan cited the inside centre position as having posed another severe dilemma for the selectors.