With O’Driscoll, Ireland Can Do Anything – Eddie Jones

Although the actual composition of the side won’t be named until later today, the Australians will be without Mat Rogers, Jeremy Paul and David Lyons for Saturday’s test at Lansdowne Road (k.o. 2.30). Rogers has a rib injury and Paul is suffering from a hamstring strain which he picked up prior to the game against Argentina.

In addition, coach Eddie Jones is adamant that Matt Burke and Owen Finnegan must take a full part in this morning’s training session if they are to be considered for the game on Saturday.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Jones said that he expected an open game on Saturday.
“With O’Gara picked at five-eighth. I’d expect they’ll be using the ball a little bit more. It’s always a very passionate occasion when you visit Lansdowne Road. Ireland are a difficult side to beat and even without Keith Wood, they have a lot of quality in the squad.” Jones continued. “They’ve made a lot of progress in the in the last couple of years and wth a player like O’Driscoll in the side, they can do anything.”

Prop Bill Young returned home after the Argentine game to be with his wife for the birth of their first child – mind you the child was an hour old by the time he arrived – and captain George Gregan will jet out of Dublin after Saturday’s game to be with his wife for the birth of their second child.

The Australians will announce their side at around lunchtime today.