British & Irish Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward will be keeping his fingers crossed for centres Brian O’Driscoll and Gordon D’Arcy after both were included in a preliminary 33-strong squad for Ireland’s Six Nations clash with England on Sunday week.
The Leinster duo sat out Saturday’s 40-13 victory over Scotland after sustaining hamstring injuries during Ireland’s championship opener against Italy.
Both players featured in the initial line-up for the trip to Murrayfield but were withdrawn from the side when they failed to recover in time.
Their rehabilitation has continued this week at a specialist cryotherapy centre in Spala, Poland, and their injuries will be assessed once again on Sunday.
It is crucial Woodward is able to assess their form ahead of the summer tour to New Zealand with the dynamic pair favourites to link up in midfield against the All Blacks.
