• Six Nations

Kearney a doubt for crucial England clash

Brian O'Driscoll has bruised his left knee joint, but should be fit for the England game © Getty Images

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Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll should be available to face England on Saturday week but Rob Kearney is rated doubtful for the Six Nations clash at Twickenham.

The Leinster duo were two of a number of players to sustain injuries in yesterday's 33-10 defeat by France in Paris. O'Driscoll incurred bruising to his left knee joint and will be monitored over the coming fortnight, but should receive the all clear to meet England.

Kearney, who limped off in the 33rd minute at the Stade de France, had a scan on his right knee this afternoon which revealed a strain to his medial ligament. The extent of the damage means he is unlikely to be fit when Ireland seek to nudge their Six Nations back on track at Twickenham.

Second row Leo Cullen lasted until the second half when he twisted his right ankle but should be given the green light to feature against Martin Johnson's side. Any fears that John Hayes may have to wait a little longer to win his 100th cap because of a blow to the head have eased after it was revealed the injury is not serious.

Hayes, the Munster tighthead, will become the first player to make a century of Test appearances for Ireland if he is involved at Twickenham. Ireland's starting XV against France will meet for a training camp in Cork this week while the replacements will be released to their provinces.

Despite a fairly lengthy injury list, the champions' greatest concern is the fate of Jerry Flannery, who is sure to be cited for his first-half trip on Alexis Palisson. Flannery was lucky to concede only a penalty and escape a red card after felling Palisson with a swinging leg that could have caused serious injury to the France winger.

As it was, Palisson limped off in the 25th minute with a dead leg suffered during the incident and the French management revealed after the match they were confident Flannery will be carpeted. Citing commissioner Peter Brown, of the Scottish Rugby Union, has 48 hours to decide whether to demand the Munster hooker appear before an independent three-man Six Nations disciplinary committee.

Any citing will be confirmed by tomorrow evening with a hearing likely to be held on Tuesday or Wednesday.

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