Coach admits O'Driscoll was missed

Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan has admitted that his side sorely missed captain Brian O'Driscoll against France at the weekend.

O'Sullivan was forced to do without the inspirational centre in the 20-17 RBS 6 Nations Championship defeat at Croke Park but his hamstring strain is expected to have cleared in time for him to rejoin the side ahead of their match against England.

And O'Sullivan concedes that his presence could be the difference between winning and losing.

He said: 'I knew that no matter how well we prepared, there wouldn't be that edge to our attack and defence without him.'

'I said at the outset of the Six Nations that injuries would have a bearing on the championship. It's unfortunate but that's the way it is.

'There's no point saying we don't miss him.'

He added: 'We [were] missing the best international centre in the world, and that's no reflection on Shane Horgan.

'No-one would argue with the fact Brian O'Driscoll was a loss against France.

'I don't want to go down that road too much because it's not fair on the lads who were on the pitch, but he's a loss and there's no doubt about it.

'I don't think any country in the world could replace Brian O'Driscoll if they had to. It did hurt us not having him and it was tough leaving him out.'