O’Donnell ready to answer Ireland’s call

‘Versatile’ Munster man in no doubt he can hold up his end of the bargain.

The job of a Test rugby replacement may not carry the glamour of a starting role but when you have spent Ireland’s autumn series watching from the top tier of the Aviva Stadium, Tommy O’Donnell is happy to tell you he would rather be sitting on the bench than the stands.

For all the desire deep within every Ireland squad member to make the starting XV during this RBS 6 Nations campaign, bench duty is the very much the next best thing and against a powerful Wales side priding itself on being fitter, faster and stronger than their rivals, the Irish management are going to need to have plenty in reserve to cope with the strong-finishing champions of last season.