O'Driscoll recovery on fast track

BRIAN O’DRISCOLL will see consultant maxillofacial surgeon Dr Cliff Beirne today as he strives to make what would be a remarkable recovery from the cracked jaw sustained in Ireland’s victory over Argentina on November 28th.

Leinster coach Joe Schmidt has already stated they are willing to give O’Driscoll until Friday before making a decision on his availability to face Clermont Auvergne at the Aviva Stadium this Saturday evening (kick-off 5.45pm).

Leinster remain top of Pool Two, leading Clermont by a point, despite Sunday’s 13-20 defeat to the French champions, but O’Driscoll’s presence in the starting line-up becomes more important considering injury concerns over Jamie Heaslip (ankle) and Seán O’Brien (unconfirmed), potentially adding to long-term absentees Stanley Wright (Achilles), Kevin McLaughlin, Luke Fitzgerald and Rob Kearney (all knee).

O’Brien required on-field attention three different times in the first half against Clermont, while Heaslip had to be replaced one minute into the second half. The 20-year-old flanker Dominic Ryan made an impressive impact as O’Brien switched to number eight and completed the full 80 minutes.

An update on Heaslip and O’Brien should be available today but Leinster will hold off making a call on O’Driscoll until the last moment.

“Eoin O’Malley would be pretty unlucky if Drico becomes available because he’s done a damn fine job,” said Schmidt after O’Malley’s performance at the Stade Marcel Michelin.

O’Driscoll was previously treated by Dr Beirne when the Ireland captain was in a similar race against time after Kiwi journeyman Mikaera Tewhata fractured his orbit (eye socket) with a punch during the infamous battle of Bayonne encounter just before the 2007 World Cup in France. O’Driscoll recovered to feature in all four of Ireland’s World Cup games, scoring tries against Namibia and Argentina.

Dr Beirne is attached to the sports surgery clinic in Santry and has treated several Ireland players for facial injuries over the last 10 years.