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ODriscoll Could Boost Irelands Chances With Early Return
Tuesday 04 September 2007 at 11:50
 Ireland's talismanic skipper Brian O'Driscoll could be fit to play in Ireland's opening World Cup match with Namibia, coach Eddie O'Sullivan has revealed.
The news will buoy the Irish team and shorten the odds on their progression through the tournament with the team currently placed as fifth favourites with attractive odds of 25/1 at BlueSQ.
The loss of the 28-year-old for the pool matches against Namibia and Georgia was not of too much concern, but news that he could return to gain match experience before tough clashes with France and Argentina bodes well for Irish chances.
The centre was sidelined after clashing with Bayonne's Mikaera Tewhata in a warm up match.
His sinus was fractured but reports claim his recovery is ahead of schedule.
Speaking to the Irish Independent O'Driscoll gave his own views on who would raise the Web Ellis Cup, claiming New Zealand are the favourites but are not unbeatable.
"As much as you'd consider them favourites - and you'd be silly not to - it wouldn't shock me massively if they didn't win it," O'Driscoll said.
"They're a shoo-in every time the World Cup comes around. But there's a lot of winning in it. Particularly, from their point of view, with the likes of South Africa and Australia. Because they'll have lost to them quite a number of times. So that element of doubt I think will come into their minds."
New Zealand are currently priced at 57/100 with Bet365 to win the cup.
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