Irish players await O'Sullivan's axe

Eddie O’Sullivan will name his team to face France at lunchtime with all eyes on whether the Ireland coach has succumbed to calls to wield the axe.

O’Sullivan has kept faith with his first-choice line-up against Namibia and Georgia but after two dire performances he is under pressure to bring in new faces.

Ulster hooker Rory Best is out with a dislocated thumb so Munster’s Jerry Flannery will start with Frankie Sheahan named on the bench.

Andrew Trimble, fit after recovering from a fractured finger, could replace Leinster winger Denis Hickie, who is being troubled by a bruised knee.

Neil Best, Geordan Murphy and Eoin Reddan or Isaac Boss may also benefit if O’Sullivan opts for the cull in an effort to revitalise Ireland’s fading World Cup hopes.

A dramatic upturn in form is essential if Ireland are to have any chance of qualifying for the knockout stages.

After going within a fraction of conceding possibly the greatest upset in rugby history before edging Georgia 14-10, Hickie knows time is running out for their campaign.

“I can understand expectations are very high. That’s of our making because we’ve brought levels of expectation to that height,” he said.

“We have to play what’s in front of us. We have to play the challenges that are set out.

“Whatever anyone said about us running in a big score against Georgia, it was never going to be like that. But we’re in a difficult situation.

“If we say we’re not going to put a big score on them we’re accused of putting a spin on the match to take the pressure off.

“I can understand why everyone’s frustrated but no one is more frustrated than we are.

“We want to win more than anyone and get out of the group. We have to accept the criticism but we can’t dwell on it.

“We go to Paris with two wins but we haven’t played very well.

“Everyone is going to write us off now and we go to Paris against a French team that is also under a lot of pressure.

“There’s still a lot for us to play for.”

Hickie admits he fears for his grip on the number 11 jersey after the horror show against Georgia.

“I’m always worried about my place in the team after a game like that,” he said.

“Everyone wants to play their best and do as well as they can. You’re always looking over your shoulder.

“No one takes their position for granted. The closer the game the closer the call is going to be.”