3 Nov 2010

O'Driscoll to play for Ireland

12:57 pm on 3 November 2010

Skipper Brian O'Driscoll has been cleared to play for Ireland in their rugby Test against world champions South Africa in Dublin this weekend.

O'Driscoll was a doubt because of the hamstring injury he sustained on European Cup duty for Leinster against Racing Metro last month. It will be his first match in four weeks.

Jonathan Sexton has been given the start ahead of Ronan O'Gara at first-five, forming part of an all-Leinster backline other than Osprey Tommy Bowe on the right wing.

Ireland will be hoping to avoid a fourth successive Test defeat when they meet South Africa, a losing sequence dating back to the final match of the Six Nations.

A number of empty seats are expected at the new 50,000 seat Lansdowne Road ground after the Irish Rugby Union hiked up prices.

75,000 watched Ireland play South Africa at Croke Park last year.