The Leinster player, 25 on Thursday, has been struggling with a hamstring injury.

DArcy will now join international and club team-mate Brian ODriscoll on the sidelines.

Ireland coach Eddie OSullivan said: We gave Gordon a chance but it didnt work out.

In terms of the risk element, it was a sensible precaution.

He should be fine for the next game but we do not want to tempt fate.

Shane Horgan will move to centre from the wing with Kevin Maggs promoted from the bench. Girvan Dempsey will move to the wing from the bench.

But OSullivan has prepared his team for the loss of the key centres this week.

He added: We have been practising with this line-up through the week just in case.

Munster lock Paul O'Connell, who is making his 25th international appearance, will captain the side in O'Driscoll's absence.

Revised Ireland team:

G Murphy (Leicester); G Dempsey (Leinster), S Horgan (Leinster), K Maggs (Ulster), D Hickie (Leinster); R O'Gara (Munster), P Stringer (Munster); R Corrigan (Leinster), S Byrne (Leinster), J Hayes (Munster), M O'Kelly (Leinster), P O'Connell (Munster, capt), S Easterby (Llanelli), J O'Connor (Wasps), A Foley (Munster).

Replacements: F Sheahan (Munster), M Horan (Munster), D O'Callaghan (Munster), E Miller (Leinster), G Easterby (Leinster), D Humphreys (Ulster), G Duffy (Harlequins).