O'Connor has been in impressive form for Ireland in the Six Nations championship and will have been hoping to provide Lions coach Sir Clivewood with another demonstration of his forward power ahead of the summer tour to New Zealand.

But his chance of doing so looked in the balance when he limped off after twisting his left ankle in the 55th minute of the clash and will receive intensive therapy over the next few days.

Munster's Denis Leamy is the candidate to take over in Dublin next Sunday, but Wasps coach Warren Gatland was optimistic the 25-year-old could still start if Ireland manage the injury gently.

"Jonny O'Connor rolled his ankle and he's got ice on it now and he might get a couple of days off before training again," said Gatland.

"He could probably do with the rest. He trained once with them on Monday, twice on Tuesday and came back to us in pieces."