O'Sullivan bemoans O'Driscoll absence

Eddie O’Sullivan has admitted that Ireland sorely missed captain Brian O’Driscoll against France at the weekend.

O’Sullivan was forced to do without the inspirational centre in the 20-17 RBS 6 Nations Championship defeat at Croke Park but his hamstring strain is expected to have cleared in time for him to rejoin the side ahead of their match against England.

And O’Sullivan concedes that his presence could be the difference between winning and losing.

He said: “I knew that no matter how well we prepared, there wouldn’t be that edge to our attack and defence without him.

“I said at the outset of the Six Nations that injuries would have a bearing on the championship. It’s unfortunate but that’s the way it is. There’s no point saying we don’t miss him.”

“We [were] missing the best international centre in the world, and that’s no reflection on Shane Horgan,” he said.

“No one would argue with the fact Brian O’Driscoll was a loss against France. I don’t want to go down that road too much because it’s not fair on the lads who were on the pitch, but he’s a loss and there’s no doubt about it.

“I don’t think any country in the world could replace Brian O’Driscoll if they had to. It did hurt us not having him and it was tough leaving him out.”

Despite O’Driscoll’s absence, O’Sullivan was impressed with France’s strength and expects them to defend their Six Nations title. Even so, O'Sullivan believes a coveted clean sweep of victories is becoming increasingly unlikely as the tournament continues to improve across the board.

“France can complete the Grand Slam every year. They are always up there because they have a phenomenal squad,” he said.

“But they went to Scotland last season and were beaten against the odds and only won the championship over us on points difference.

“We’re only two games into the Six Nations. Most wise people would predict there will be very few Grand Slams won in the current era because it’s so tight.

“There’s so little in it and on one day you get a bad break and that’s then end of your Grand Slam. That’s what happened to us against France.”