Joe Schmidt talks of 'window of opportunity' for Ireland players

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt says the absence of several key players for the remainder of the Six Nations offers other players "a window of opportunity" to impress.

In addition to Ireland's other injury woes, the Ireland coach confirmed on Friday that wing Dave Kearney, lock Mike McCarthy and flanker Sean O'Brien would play no further part in this year's tournament.

"We take things on a week-to-week basis so it's all about going to Twickenham next Saturday and being as good as we can be," said Schmidt.