Six Nations News round-up:Two issues were on the agenda at Ireland's press conference yesterday: Croke Park and player fitness.
Ireland's historic first excursion onto the Jones's Road surface this week came at an opportune time as most rugby correspondence were in London at the Six Nations media launch.
Eddie O'Sullivan poured cold water on any potential gripe Irish players might have with the pitch ahead of the French game on February 11th. "It's a firm turf that takes a stud even though that sounds contradictory," he said yesterday.
There had been several complaints from GAA players during the summer.
The positions of lock and hooker required extra cover to be retained in the Kilkenny Castle hotel this week but no decision will be made until after the weekend.
Malcolm O'Kelly is struggling with what was described as a "chronic knee" problem. At present, Mick O'Driscoll looks likely to make the bench for the opening fixture, against Wales at the Millennium Stadium tomorrow week.
O'Sullivan was pleased that Mick Galwey can accommodate Jerry Flannery's need for game time with at least 40 minutes against UCD today in Thomond Park, not that young Seán Cronin will be too pleased with that, making Flannery the odds-on favourite to make an impressive return next week. One from Flannery, Rory Best and Frank Sheahan will miss out on the match 22.
Former Wales captain Michael Owen has admitted to being "devastated" at being left out of the Six Nations squad.
Owen has struggled to regain his form since undergoing a shoulder operation at the start of the season and he has been overtaken in the pecking order by the likes of Scott Morgan, Jonathan Thomas and Colin Charvis.
Owen said: "I was devastated because I feel I've been a top performer for Wales over my career. I feel I've got a lot to offer the Wales team.
"Obviously the coaches have got their own ideas. You've just got to respect that and just try to look after what you can control.
"It's massively frustrating not playing for the Dragons. I've only started two games in a row once. But I've got to keep my head and keep working hard and try to get into the games."
O'Sullivan and Wales coach Gareth Jenkins will name their match-day 22-man squads on Tuesday.
Injuries to Shane Williams and Mark Jones will force a reshuffle in the Welsh back three, which is likely to see Gavin Henson pressed into action at fullback.
Jenkins also has a midfield dilemma. Tom Shanklin is a major doubt after pulling out of Cardiff's game this weekend with a recurrence of a thigh injury. He has not played since December 27th and, with Gareth Thomas facing an ERC disrepute charge, Hal Luscombe could come into the reckoning.
