A knee injury is threatening to rule Irish rugby player Ronan O'Gara out of next Saturday's (February 13th) Six Nations crunch game against France in Paris.

The fly half scored 16 points in the 29-11 victory over Italy in the opening game of the tournament in Dublin last weekend, but then left the field with swelling to the joint.

Another player who is a doubt for the match at the Stade De France is Andrew Trimble, who strained his thigh during the match.

Ireland should still be able to call on the services of Paul O'Connell, who is expected to resume training after coming off in the game against the Azzuri.

Those suffering from muscular pains such as knee and thigh strains may find that the use of ultrasound machines to treat the problem helps to speed up recovery.

France against Ireland may be a fixture that goes a long way towards deciding who wins the Six Nations, with the French wining their first game against Scotland at Murrayfield.