In Pics: Ireland Squad Training (2)

Pictured above: Jerry Flannery packs away his gear after training on Tuesday. Flannery said of his try against Italy last week: “It was definitely my try – when Rog (Ronan O’Gara) was coming back after it he said ‘you can have it’ which we had a good laugh about. It was great to score on my debut in the 6 Nations. It was such a tight game and we needed the points on the board.”

Number 8 Denis Leamy who has been cleared to play against France on Saturday. Leamy attended a disciplinary hearing in London on Wednesday after being cited for an alleged stamp on Italian scrum half Paul Griffen after 75 minutes of last weekend’s game at Lansdowne Road. However, the Munster forward has been exonerated of foul play.

Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan and captain Brian O’Driscoll see the funny side of things at training on Tuesday.

Gordon D’Arcy puts his gear away after the session at St. Gerard’s. The Wexford man turns 26 on Friday as does Wasps flanker Johnny O’Connor, who is on the bench for the French tussle, on Thursday (tomorrow). An ideal birthday present for both? A win against France surely.

Munster and Ireland flanker David Wallace has kept his place in an Irish side for consecutive Test matches for the first time since 2004 (two summer Tests v South Africa).

Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan runs through some moves with the backs at St. Gerard’s. Talking to the press on Tuesday, O’Sullivan, on his expectations of France, said: “I would expect a backlash from France. They’ll probably look at some changes because of injuries and also some changes to freshen things up. I’d say anyone whoever gets on the French team next Saturday won’t be leaving anything in their locker.”

**All photos by Dan Sheridan and Morgan Treacy of Inpho Photography**

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