O’Driscoll fitness fears allayed

MICHAEL CHEIKA expects Brian O’Driscoll to be fit for Leinster’s Heineken Cup trip to Castres on Friday.

O’Driscoll limped off in Saturday’s win over the French team at the RDS but Cheika allayed fears about his fitness.

“He felt a slight twinge in his hamstring and I wasn’t about to take any chances,” said the Leinster coach. “He was happy to stay on but I wanted him off.!

“But the game was won at that stage and I’m happy that Brian (O’Driscoll) will be good to play on Friday. The coach also revealed that injured trio Felipe Contepomi, Isa Nacewa and Shane Jennings, are in the frame for selection. “We’ll have a look at the situation on Monday and possibly add them to our squad based on the up-to-date information then,” said Cheika.

Castres, meanwhile, must plan without Cameron McIntyre, Rafael Carballo and Darron Nell for the return fixture. Carballo and Nell were injured early on Saturday while full-back McIntyre suffered a broken jaw in the final seconds.