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O'Driscoll stayed at the team hotel in Chiswick because of illness while his team-mates conducted their eve-of-match training session at Twickenham.

Ireland coach Declan Kidney insisted his withdrawal was just a precautionary measure.

"Brian was feeling a bit off so it was prudent for him not to train. You know when you just don't feel good in yourself," said Kidney.

"He's not feeling great so there was no point pushing it on a day like today so he's back in the hotel resting up.

"Two weeks ago against France we had a few lads who didn't take part in the captain's run.

"The captain's run is just to blow a few cobwebs out after the travelling.

"In some cases it's better for a player not to train and that was the situation with Brian.

"We're quite hopeful that he'll be all right for tomorrow."

Should O'Driscoll fail to recover, Keith Earls will switch from wing to outside centre, Andrew Trimble will take the number 11 jersey with Paddy Wallace drafted on to the bench. Paul O'Connell will captain the team.

Stephen Ferris, who returned from his knee injury in the 33-10 thumping by France a fortnight ago, also missed the captain's run.

It is still unknown if John Hayes will lead Ireland out at Twickenham.

Hayes will become his nation's first Test centurion but the publicity-shy Munster prop is keen to avoid the limelight at all costs.

"It's an exceptional achievement to reach 100 caps - and most of them have been starts in the position of tighthead prop," said Kidney.

"Also, the vast majority of them have been played for the full 80 minutes. It's testament to his professionalism and lifestyle."

Latest results:

Saturday 13 February 2010

• France 33-10 Ireland
• Wales 31-24 Scotland

Sunday 14 February 2010

• Italy 12-17 England

Coming up:

Friday 26 February 2010

• Wales v France, 8pm

Saturday 27 February 2010

• England v Ireland, 4pm
• Italy v Scotland, 1.30pm

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