McFadden to get final chance

FERGUS McFADDEN spoke three days ago about his frustrations at spending all but 15 minutes on the bench in Cardiff but the Ireland international will get his chance from the first whistle at Thomond Park this weekend.

News that Gordon D’Arcy has failed to recover from an ankle injury picked up against Northampton in the Heineken Cup final has opened the door for the centre/wing who impressed when drafted in to start for both Leinster and Ireland earlier this season. Isaac Boss is also struggling to shrug off a tight hamstring and will be monitored for the next 24 hours, while coach Joe Schmidt hinted that there may be further alterations to the side which won in Cardiff last Saturday.

However, Brian O’Driscoll looks good to go. The outside-centre played last week despite a knee injury but has completed both training sessions in recent days and has reported no difficulties with the joint ahead of the trip to Limerick.