O’Driscoll misses training with stomach complaint

Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll is expected to start tomorrow's RBS 6 Nations clash with England despite missing today's captain's run.

O'Driscoll stayed at the team hotel in Chiswick because of illness while his team-mates conducted their eve-of-match training session at Twickenham.

Ireland coach Declan Kidney insisted his withdrawal was just a precautionary measure.

"Brian was feeling a bit off so it was prudent for him not to train. You know when you just don't feel good in yourself," said Kidney.

"He's not feeling great so there was no point pushing it on a day like today so he's back in the hotel resting up.

"Two weeks ago against France we had a few lads who didn't take part in the captain's run.

"The captain's run is just to blow a few cobwebs out after the travelling.

"In some cases it's better for a player not to train and that was the situation with Brian.

"We're quite hopeful that he'll be all right for tomorrow."

Kidney added: "I'm going to bed thinking he will wake up tomorrow looking forward to the game and that's what the medics say too."

Should O'Driscoll fail to recover, Keith Earls will switch from wing to outside centre, Andrew Trimble will take the number 11 jersey with Paddy Wallace drafted on to the bench. Paul O'Connell will captain the team.

Stephen Ferris, who returned from his knee injury in the 33-10 thumping by France a fortnight ago, also missed the captain's run.

It is still unknown if John Hayes will lead Ireland out at Twickenham tomorrow.

Hayes will become his nation's first Test centurion but the publicity-shy Munster prop is keen to avoid the limelight at all costs. "It's an exceptional achievement to reach 100 caps - and most of them have been starts in the position of tighthead prop," said Kidney.

"Also, the vast majority of them have been played for the full 80 minutes. It's testament to his professionalism and lifestyle.

"Hopefully there will be a few more caps after tomorrow but he should enjoy this special milestone.

"I know John won't be looking to lead the team out. John is a private man and likes it that way."

Ireland have won five of their last six contests against England and were the first team to topple the then reigning world champions in 2004.

Victories over Wales and Italy have ensured Martin Johnson's side are unbeaten in this Six Nations and the bookmakers are struggling to split them.

England were heavily criticised for adopting a kicking gameplan against Italy a fortnight ago but Kidney admires a side he insists has a bloody-minded attitude to winning.

"England have two wins. They came second in last year's Six Nations when we beat them by a point at home," said Kidney.

"They had the November series when they had an extraordinary number of injuries. But since they've built some momentum.

"Like all English sides they'll be very physical. They know the game well and have a very strong defensive record.

"We'll have to keep our discipline. England have been in the last two World Cup finals and will be as strong as ever.

"They're evolving and getting better with each game. I don't see them as being one-dimensional. I see them playing in a whole host of different ways.

"They play smart rugby. They're in the business of winning and so are we."