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Brian O'Driscoll 'stumped' by Tadhg Beirne omission

Brian O'Driscoll joined Friday Night Rugby on Off the Ball as we continued our build-up to Irelan...



Rugby

Brian O'Driscoll 'stumped' by Tadhg Beirne omission


Brian O'Driscoll joined Friday Night Rugby on Off the Ball as we continued our build-up to Ireland's huge 6 Nations clash with France on Sunday.

Joe Schmidt made 7 changes to the starting team to take on the French with Sean O'Brien dropping out of the squad completely.

Former Ireland and Lions captain O'Driscoll has admitted his surprise at Tadgh Beirne's lack of game time during this year's tournament given his form for Munster so far this season, telling Cliona: "No Tadhg Beirne as of yet in this 6 Nations and as someone from the outside having been in that environment - the reason where a player has gone very well for their province and then doesn't manage to make it into the national team - there usually is either a bit of a personality issue with the coach and the player or they haven't presented at training.

"It's rare enough that a player can deliver in matches the whole time and not do it throughout the week. Coaches expect you do exactly what you're going to do on Saturday afternoon from Monday through Thursday or, if you're injured, from Tuesday to Thursday if maybe given the early part of the week off.

"Whereas not seeing him in there and seeing Ultan Dillane on the bench again - I'm a bit stumped by it because he's been excellent for Munster. He's picked up where he left off with Scarlets last season - he did well during the summer down in Australia but he's obviously found himself out of favour for some reason or other," he added.

Despite Ireland's poor historical record against the French, the men in green haven't been beaten by their visitors in Dublin since 2011 and have won five of their last six meetings against 'Les Bleus' heading into this weekend's clash.

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6 Nations Brian O'Driscoll France Iain Henderson Ireland James Ryan Joe Schmidt Lock Munster Rugby Rugby Union Second Row Six Nations Tadhg Beirne Ultan Dillane