Ireland’s back coach, Eddie O’Sullivan, insists Ireland can get their Six Nations campaign off to a winning start despite the loss of star player Brian O’Driscoll.
Although the gifted Leinster centre, who will miss the opening match in Rome tomorrow week after failing to shake off a shoulder injury, is a key component in the resurgent Irish back line, O'Sullivan insists the blow is not fatal.
"Losing Brian is a bit of a blow but we still have to go with confidence that we can win the game in Italy," he said.
"Brian O'Driscoll is a special talent - there is no question about it and he made a huge impact last year in the Six Nations. But it's not an insurmountable blow. We have a bit of depth in those areas."
In fact, O'Driscoll has played in only two of Ireland's five internationals since last year's Six Nations and, in experienced duo Mike Mullins and Kevin Maggs, coach Warren Gatland has ready-made cover.
Gatland also has to find a new winger, following the loss of Denis Hickie with a broken hand, but Shane Horgan had a wonderful championship debut last year and is ready to step into that breach.
"We're in a position at the moment where we have a bit of depth in most positions," noted O'Sullivan.
"We're missing quite a few top-class players but we're still in reasonably good shape and, if you look at the 'A' team, it's a pretty decent team." -PA Sport