Matthews says O'Sullivan could go

Eddie O'Sullivan is in his seventh year as Ireland coach

Former Irish captain Philip Matthews believes Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan could soon be out of a job if Ireland lose to Wales on Saturday.

Matthews told BBC Radio Wales' Scrum V on the Radio show that the pressure had been mounting on O'Sullivan since Ireland's disappointing World Cup.

"If Wales win in Dublin I think the writing is going to be on the wall for O'Sullivan," Matthews said.

"And it would mean a disappointing season overall for Ireland."

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O'Sullivan has been at the helm since November 2001 and ex-flanker Matthews feels it could be time for a change.

"The problem is you lose the changing room if the players are not rock solid, and I do not know if they will be if they lose on Saturday," added Matthews.

"The next question is where do you turn? I think the fresh voices of Rob Kearney and Jamie Heaslip have made an impact, so there is no doubt that a fresh voice at coach would make a difference."

O'Sullivan signed a four-year extension to his contract in August 2007, meaning he would be in charge until 2012.

After a disastrous World Cup campaign, Ireland struggled to beat Italy in their opening match of the 2008 RBS Six Nations.

They were more impressive in their next match, despite losing 26-21 in Paris, and last time out they scored five tries in a convincing home win over Scotland.