O’Connell looks set to lead Ireland

PAUL O’CONNELL is set to lead Ireland against England at Twickenham on Saturday next, with Brian O’Driscoll likely to be sidelined for several weeks after picking up a hamstring injury.

O’Connell will captain Ireland for the fourth time, having also stood in for the injured O’Driscoll against France in Paris in 2004, Scotland at Murrayfield in 05 and France again at Croke Park in 07.

While it’s a great honour to captain your country, O’Connell may have misgivings after a six-month injury lay-off.