O'Driscoll absence sees Leinster eased for cup

HEINEKEN CUP holders Leinster were eased to 5-1 for European glory this season by Paddy Power on Monday after it wasannounced that talismanic centre Brian O’Driscoll is expected to be out for six months.

O’Driscoll needs surgery on a trapped nerve in his shoulder and while plenty of firms also go 5-1 about Toulouse, Paddy Power now make the French champions and fellow competition heavyweights 9-2 favourites.

Leinster start their defence of the title, claimed at the Millennium Stadium last May following a stunning second-half fightback, at Montpellier on Saturday.

Ireland have drifted to 6-1 for next year’s Six Nations.

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