Relief for Ireland as O’Brien allays injury fears

FITNESS doubt Sean O’Brien declared himself ready to play in Ireland’s World Cup opening fixture this Sunday against the USA.

Declan Kidney’s squad open their Pool C account in New Plymouth at Stadium Taranaki with European Player of the Year O’Brien’s injured knee a concern since he damaged medial ligaments during the second warm-up Test against France in Dublin on August 20.

The 24-year-old back row yesterday said he was pain free and in “no doubt” he would be ready to face the Americans but the final decision would be made by the Irish team’s medical staff and management.