Ireland
Ireland set to rest players against Italy
ESPN Staff
February 25, 2014
Ireland's Peter O'Mahony runs into Joe Launchbury and Dylan Hartley, England v Ireland, Six Nations, Twickenham, February 22, 2014
Peter O'Mahony in action against England © Getty Images
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Ireland flanker Peter O'Mahony is expected to be fit for the Six Nations clash with against Italy after a scan on Tuesday revealed no tear to his hamstring.

O'Mahony was replaced in the second half of the weekend's defeat at Twickenham and there were fears he might be sidelined for a fortnight. He will now wait before resuming training next week.

But with all eyes on the final match against France - a game which could decide the Championship - Ireland coach Joe Schmidt admitted he may rest O'Mahoney and Jonathan Sexton - whose suffered a hand injury - against Italy.

"Peter O'Mahony has no respect for his body," said Schmidt. "He's had a fantastic series so far. There is a little bit of blood on the hamstring scan, but no tear so those things normally clear up quickly. It's a case of managing Pete this week so that he can train next week.

"Brian O'Driscoll was cramp, he was walking fine after the game, he trained individually on Monday and he should train Wednesday and Thursday this week. He actually hasn't had that much game time this year in total, so he's pretty fresh."

Ireland will assemble on Wednesday for a two-day training camp in Belfast.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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