SEAN HURT IN BLUES DRAW

Scarlets 10 Leinster 10

SEAN O’BRIEN’S hopes of a return for Ireland’s Six Nations finale with England suffered a massive blow last night.

Captaining Leinster in the PRO14 on his return to action after having hip surgery in January, the flanker (inset) suffered a 24th minute arm injury.

He continued for three minutes but still in pain he was called ashore by Leinster boss Leo Cullen.

Scoreless at half-time, Ed Byrne’s converted try gave Leinster the lead but Paul Asquith touched down for the home side.

Ross Byrne made it 10-7 with a penalty before Dan Jones levelled matters. PETER O’MAHONY believes it is Joe Schmidt’s ability to stay ahead of the game that makes him a prolific winner.

The Kiwi head coach will win his third Six Nations title in just five attempts as Ireland manager if they beat Scotland by a bonus point and England fail to match that result against France today.

The 52-year-old won two European Cups with Leinster prior to that as well as the Top 14 title as an assistant coach at Clermont.

“It’s the person he is,” said O’mahony (left yesterday). “He’s a winner. You’ve heard a huge amount about him over the years but he’s very diligent, an expert on the game. He is always looking to improve which has kept him ahead of the game.

“His appetite for work is incredible and his attention to detail is probably better again. It’s hard to put it into words but it’s a great environment to be in.

“He’s a very good man manager. He’s obviously very stern but he’s able to adapt to different players and the way they carry on.

“But at the end of the day, the most important thing is that you’re doing the right thing for the team.

“If that isn’t the case, he’ll let you know about that as well. It’s not about facilitating the different lads and the different characters, it has got to be facilitating the team. That comes first.”

Paul O’connell spoke of having to play catch-up after Schmidt took the role of head coach with the national team because Leinster’s Ireland contingent were already well indoctrinated into the ways of the wily New Zealander.

However, O’mahony insists that he personally didn’t