Ireland caretaker manager Simon Easterby is confident versatile defender Jamie Osborne will be able to showcase his skills in his new role during Saturday's Guinness Six Nations decider against title hopefuls France.
With Mac Hansen missing the game with a minor quadriceps injury, Leinster left-footer Osborne has been moved from full-back to right-back.
The 23-year-old has played at left-back for his province, including in recent Investec Champions Cup wins over La Rochelle and Bath, but has never worn the No 14 shirt before.
Easterby, who insisted his choice of a six-two striker-defenders-on-the-bench mix was not a direct response to Les Bleus manager Fabien Galthie's seven-one tactic, stressed flexibility when explaining the decision to select Osborne over Munster's Calvin Nash.
“Sometimes you have to make really tough decisions and it's just gut instinct, but in this case there are a number of reasons and one of them is that Jamie gives us a lot of flexibility in the positions he can play,” Easterby said.
“He has achieved a lot in his short international career. First of all, he is a great footballer.
“He has a physical presence and also a very intelligent rugby mind. He understands the game and its nuances.
“We have some flexibility with Jamie's position, he can play most positions in the back row.”
Easterby made four changes to the starting line-up that began the match with a 27-18 win over Wales in Round 3.
Captain Keilan Doris will play his 50th match after recovering from a knee injury.
Released prop Finlay Bealham is also set to close in on half a century of Test appearances, while Hugo Keenan returns to take Osborne's place at No.15 and centre Bundee Aki comes in for the suspended Garry Ringrose.
“Keylan has been incredibly successful in getting back to full fitness,” Easterby said, hinting that Leinster's No.8 may not last the full 80 minutes.
“It says a lot that he was able to do
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
