O'Connell determined to feature in Ulster clash

Paul O’Connell is hopeful he can complete his rehabilitation in time for Munster’s Heineken Cup quarter-final against Ulster in four week's time after suffering a knee injury in Ireland’s 17-17 draw with France last weekend.

O’Connell played the entire 80 minutes in Paris on Sunday despite picking up the injury and a scan after the match revealed that he had suffered medial ligament damage, ruling him out of the remaining two RBS Six Nations games of the season.

Writing in his Rugby Diary on the IRFU website, O’Connell admitted that the injury compounded the frustration of drawing against the French when a victory was within their grasp.

“Frustrating would be one word for it. Injuries are part and parcel of sport but any philosophical attitude tends to disappear, initially at least, when it happens to you.

“After the game there were some sore bodies and frustration that we hadn't managed to close out the match and win.

“The general view was that it had been an opportunity lost but the lads have already put it behind them and are looking forward to the weekend.”

The 2009 Lions captain recalls when he incurred the injury last Sunday and though he managed to play through the pain, he knew at the final whistle that he was dealing with more than a minor knock.

“I remember exactly when it happened in the match. It was the 61st minute and Thierry Dusautoir tackled me side on and the knee buckled.

“I hobbled around for a bit but the adrenaline kicked in and I was able to play on without too much discomfort. As soon as the match finished though I knew I was in a bit of trouble.

“We flew back that night and I went straight to Santry for a scan. The specialist would subsequently confirm the initial diagnosis of the radiographer.”

O’Connell’s injury comes as part of a double blow for Ireland with scrum half Conor Murray also unavailable for the remaining Six Nations games after he too suffered a knee injury in the Stade de France.

The injuries have seen Munster teammate Donnacha Ryan promoted from the bench to the starting XV against Scotland where he will partner Donncha O’Callaghan with Eoin Reddan starting in place of Murray, Mike McCarthy and Tomas O’Leary come in as cover on the bench.

As well as hampering Ireland’s Six Nations plans, O’Connell’s injury will worry Tony McGahan with Munster’s Heineken Cup quarter-final against Ulster approaching.

Unsurprisingly the second row has already started his rehabilitation and is targeting a return for that big Heineken Cup showdown in Thomond Park.

“I started my rehab on Wednesday evening with the Munster physio Dave O’Sullivan. Earlier that day I was back in the gym doing upper body weights in the company of Alan Quinlan and Mike Prendergast. It was entertaining and a welcome distraction.

“The prognosis is four to six weeks with the Ulster match in the Heineken Cup falling in the middle of that, but I would be very hopeful to be back in time for that game.”