Sprained Ankle For Heaslip

Following Saturday’s hard-fought 20-16 RBS 6 Nations win over England at Twickenham, number 8 Jamie Heaslip has emerged as Ireland’s only injury concern.

Jamie Heaslip, who picked up the RBS 6 Nations man-of-the-match award, sprained his ankle during the game but was able to complete the 80 minutes.

“It is not thought at this point that it will keep him out of consideration for selection for the Wales game,” read an IRFU statement, issued on Sunday night.

Speaking after Ireland’s second win of the 2010 Championship, Heaslip said: “It’s great to get another win. That was probably a bit of a boost for ourselves.

“We took our opportunities against England to get the win and put ourselves back on track. I expect England aren’t too happy with our run against them, but that’s the way it goes.

“Before the match we talked about the fact we’d beaten them five out of the last six times to build up belief in ourselves.

“When we went behind that belief came out. We’d been in that position before and we worked out how to get ourselves out of it. They have a big pack but we gave as good as we got.”

Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll had to be stretchered off on Saturday after he was accidentally struck on the head by Paul O’Connell’s knee during the closing stages of the game.

Easing fears over his skipper’s fitness, head coach Declan Kidney explained: “Brian took bit of a bang. It was nothing – he was out on the pitch at the end. He’s good and is enjoying the win as much as anyone.

“Brian just felt he should make Paul do the press conference to make up for him giving him a bang on the head with his knee! There’s no risk of concussion. He’s fine.”

The Ireland starting line-up from the Twickenham clash will come together for a two-day training camp on Wednesday. The one exception is full-back Geordan Murphy who will return to his club Leicester.