O’Sullivan: ‘Strongest Backline I’ve Fielded’

Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan has admitted that his side for Sunday’s RBS 6 Nations clash with Italy, contains ‘the strongest backline’ he has ever fielded.

The 46-year-old Cork man has presided over many a fine back unit since taking over the national reins from Warren Gatland in 2001 – but today’s selection – with 856 points and 86 tries accounted for from 9 to 15 – he reckons is near on perfect, despite the absence of regular full-back Girvan Dempsey.

“Girvan has been a stalwart at full-back so it was hard to leave him out. He played in the autumn but with Gordon D’Arcy coming back we needed to shuffle things about. It was a tough call,” commented O’Sullivan this afternoon.

“This is the first occasion for some time that we’ve been able to select from a full deck. This is the strongest backline I’ve fielded.

“The back row is always going to tough. Johnny (O’Connor) loses out – he acquitted himself very well against South Africa and Argentina but Denis (Leamy) has been chomping at the bit and has had a very big Heineken Cup.”

23-year-old Leamy is one of six Munster players in the starting XV, with fellow Heineken Cup quarter-finalists Leinster boasting seven representatives.