Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll has given his beleaguered team a boost ahead of Saturday's World Cup match against Georgia after he was passed fit to play.

The inspirational centre (pictured) hyper-extended his elbow during Ireland's disappointing 32-17 victory over part-timers Namibia last Sunday but following tests he has been cleared for the next pool D game here.

O'Driscoll was originally a doubt for Ireland's first two World Cup matches after suffering a fractured sinus from an unprovoked punch during a warm-up match in August against French club side Bayonne.

But having made a quicker than expected recovery he sent his countrymen's pulses racing again on Sunday when emerging from the dressing-rooms with ice strapped to his elbow.

Ireland have also been boosted by the return of wing Shane Horgan, who has been out with a long-term knee injury. Horgan comes in for Andrew Trimble, who has been sidelined with a small fracture in his finger.

Prop Marcus Horan has also recovered from an upper back injury and fly-half Ronan O'Gara from a bruised foot to make the team.

Ireland were heavily criticised following their 32-17 victory over Namibia on Sunday and will be determined to boost their World Cup credentials with an improved performance against minnows Georgia.

Ireland: 15-Girvan Dempsey, 14-Shane Horgan, 13-Brian O'Driscoll (capt), 12-Gordon D'Arcy, 11-Denis Hickie, 10-Ronan O'Gara, 9-Peter Stringer, 8-Denis Leamy, 7-David Wallace, 6-Simon Easterby, 5-Paul O'Connell, 4-Donnacha O'Callaghan, 3-John Hayes, 2-Rory Best, 1-Marcus Horan.

Replacements: 16-Jerry Flannery, 17-Simon Best, 18-Malcolm O'Kelly, 19-Neil Best, 20-Isaac Best, 21-Paddy Wallace, 22-Geordan Murphy.

AFP