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O'Sullivan excited by battle of centres

Brian O'Driscoll could lock horns wirh Australia's Stirling Mortlock this Sunday
Brian O'Driscoll could lock horns wirh Australia's Stirling Mortlock this Sunday

Watch Ireland v Australia live from 3.15pm this Sunday on RTÉ 2 or listen live on RTÉ Radio 1.

Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan is eager to see Brian O'Driscoll lock horns with Stirling Mortlock in Sunday's Test against Australia.

Tour skipper Mortlock made a try-scoring return for the Wallabies in last weekend's 25-18 victory over Italy after undergoing minor knee surgery in September.

O'Sullivan is a big fan of the powerful 29-year-old Brumbies centre and is expecting fireworks during his midfield battle with Ireland captain O'Driscoll.

'Stirling Mortlock is a big player for Australia when he's in the middle of the park. A lot of good things happen around him,' O'Sullivan said.

'He's a very good footballer and a strong man. I've always admired him.

'When he went into the outside centre slot during the 2003 World Cup it was the turning point for Australia, who went on to reach the final.

'On the other hand O'Driscoll is a key man for us and it will be a very interesting head to head when they line up against each other.'

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