O'Driscoll expects tough test for Wales

Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll is an admirer of Wales’ attacking approach but warns their RBS 6 Nations title challenge could be dealt a blow at Murrayfield.

The March 19 fixture between Ireland and Wales is shaping up to be the Grand Slam decider but both nations have one more hurdle to negotiate before setting up the winner-takes-all clash in Cardiff.

Eddie O’Sullivan’s men face France on Saturday at Lansdowne Road while Wales must overcome Scotland in Edinburgh on Sunday.

Wales have emerged as the 6 Nations’ form team and have provided plenty of entertainment in the process with players such as Shane Williams and Gavin Henson taking centre stage.

Although O’Driscoll has been impressed by the manner of their elevation to serious championship contenders, he believes they may find wooden spoon candidates Scotland a tougher challenge than expected.

“I have been excited by Wales throughout the tournament. When questions have been asked of them, they have stepped up to the plate – especially against France,” he said.

“Their backs are in great form and we have seen some lovely movement from them. Wales’ threequarters have thrived on the confidence that winning has brought them. A confident Wales side is very dangerous.

“But I think they will be surprised at Murrayfield because I expect a big performance from Scotland.

"Scotland have struggled but Wales certainly will not have it all their own way.”

Whatever O’Driscoll’s predictions for Sunday, it is inescapable that Ireland face the toughest fixture of the weekend with Grand Slam holders France expected to provide the biggest threat to their title hopes yet.

Their preparations have been hit by Gordon D’Arcy’s troublesome hamstring injury with the gifted Leinster back ruled out once again, denying O’Sullivan the chance to field his dream midfield of D’Arcy and O’Driscoll.

Instead, Ireland will field their fourth different centre partnership of the championship against France with Ulster veteran Kevin Maggs taking the number 12 shirt to seure his 68th Test cap.

O’Driscoll said: “The disruption is not the perfect situation to be in. But having said that, we are able to bring in someone who has 67 caps and who is capable of doing an excellent job.

“In a competition like this you have to deal with injuries and that is what we will do. Kevin and I know each other’s games very well – I played my first international with him and must have gone on to play a further 30-35 times with him.

“In training we have continued from where we left off last time. I don’t see any problems resuming the partnership. Whenever Maggs has come in he has done a magnificent job.

“His hard lines of running will add a new dimension. What you see with Maggs is what you get.”