Irish skipper to miss start of World Cup with fracture

Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll was today ruled out of their World Cup opener after being punched in the face in a warm-up game in France.

The centre was taken to hospital for X-rays where it was confirmed he had suffered a fractured sinus during last night's 42-6 win over Bayonne.

O'Driscoll was thumped by lock Mikaera Tewhata during the second half and it was initially feared the 28-year-old had a fractured cheekbone.

After he was examined at hospital, Ireland officials announced their most influential player will miss their opening Pool D match against Namibia in Bordeaux on 9 September.

"It has been confirmed he has sustained a fracture to his sinus and a deep laceration under his right eye," the Irish Rugby Union said in a statement.

"The injury will not require any surgery. The recovery period for the injury is three to four weeks which will rule O'Driscoll out of the warm-up game against Italy next week and the game against Namibia."

Before the full extent of O'Driscoll's injury was known, Eddie O'Sullivan spoke of his fears for his skipper. The coach said: "I'm genuinely worried about Brian. If he isn't okay, it would be a very big pity. We knew we would get a physical game here, we needed that game. Bar Brian's injury, it was a worthwhile exercise.

"It'll be overshadowed if Brian got injured [though]. It was a punch thrown, so you can't legislate for that. Anyone can throw a punch anytime."

The Leinster back is rated as one of the best centres in the world and the Irish will be praying he does not suffer any setbacks in his recovery with tougher tests to come.

The Irish play Georgia in Bordeaux on 15 September and follow that with crunch clashes in Paris against tournament hosts France on 22 September and the ever dangerous Argentina a week later.

There were further concerns for Ireland with prop Denis Leamy suffering a shoulder injury but the problem is not considered serious.

South Africa, who face England in the key Pool A clash on 14 September, have suffered a blow with the news Jean de Villiers will be out for up to three weeks with a rib injury.

The back said: "I'm optimistic I'll be ready in time to play England."