D'Arcy still in contention for Scotland tie

GORDON D’ARCY remains in contention for Ireland’s seventh Triple Crown match, against Scotland, in as many years despite suffering what seemed a serious knee injury in the early stages of Ireland’s 27-12 victory over Wales last Saturday.

“D’Arcy obviously got a really bad haematoma above his knee but we still feel he is eligible for selection,” explained team manager Paul McNaughton yesterday. “He probably won’t train fully until Thursday (so) there is always a doubt on that.”

This was an indication an either/or selection will be announced at lunch-time today with Paddy Wallace due to start at inside centre or not make the squad at all.

When the injury occurred, after a collision with Welsh centre Jamie Roberts, the only three-quarter replacement was Rob Kearney who came on to the wing, but eventually switched with fullback Geordan Murphy, while Brian O’Driscoll operated at inside centre and Keith Earls moved to outside centre.

The other concern is loosehead prop Cian Healy (bruised shoulder) while O’Driscoll, Earls and David Wallace are being monitored. “There are three or four guys with knocks like Brian and Earlsey and David Wallace, but they will all be doing light training today and they will be training tomorrow so we have less worries about them.”

Of the six Triple Crown games since 2003 Ireland have only suffered two defeats, to England in 2003 and when Wales captured the Grand Slam at the Millennium Stadium in 2005.

“I think there was some talk years back about the Triple Crown being 10 a penny because we won two or three but certainly the feeling around this squad is that the players want this Triple Crown,” said McNaughton. “Obviously the championship looks out of reach on points difference but they want to continue winning.

“I always remember myself muted celebrations on winning the Triple Crown a few years back watching as a spectator. I don’t think there will be any muted celebrations here. The guys are up for the Triple Crown.”