Championship legends - Brian O'Driscoll The fact that Brian O'Driscoll is about to reach the landmark of 100 caps for Ireland is certainly cause for celebration. But those raising a glass to Irish rugby's talisman for the last decade may also have a sobering thought nagging away at them. Just where would Ireland have been without this great sportsman? And what will they do when their centre supreme bows out of top-flight rugby? To many, the Irish skipper has done it all after leading his country to that long-awaited Grand Slam last year, going on to win the top club honour in the game with Leinster's Heineken Cup triumph. But still the 31-year-old's hunger to achieve more seems undiminished.  O'Driscoll's Lions tour to New Zealand in 2005 was ended by injury |
He will remind you that his highs have been accompanied by low points too. The Lions tour to New Zealand in 2005 was, arguably, to have been his finest hour, leading the cream of British and Irish rugby on their journey to take on the mighty All Blacks. But it all ended quickly, in desperate disappointment for O'Driscoll, as he was injured in a controversial tackle just one minute into the first Test match. The Lions complained that the star player had been a victim of a disgraceful spear tackle, but the damage had been done and O'Driscoll's tour was over. O'Driscoll, a product of Blackrock College, made his international debut as a raw 20-year-old against Australia in Brisbane in 1999. "As soon as he touched the ball, you could see how much talent he had," said the great Wallaby centre Tim Horan, who was an opponent that day. "In my time playing rugby and watching rugby he was certainly the best centre - by far. Jeremy Guscott was one of the best attacking players I ever played against but Brian had the all-round package." Those telling you to watch out for this young fellow were smugly mouthing 'told you' less than a year later as the boy from Clontarf burst on to the international scene with a blistering Six Nations hat-trick against France. That was 19 March 2000, a great moment in Irish sporting history. The 27-25 win was their first in Paris for 28 years and they had an exciting new star in their team.  Young Brian O'Driscoll celebrates his three tries in Paris in 2000 |
"If O'Driscoll hadn't scored on that day, his performance was still the best I had ever seen," recalled former Ireland captain Keith Wood, who led the side that day. "His presence offered hope for the rest of the team." O'Driscoll had caught the imagination of rugby fans worldwide and, since then, has more than delivered on that early promise. He has so often been a match winner for Ireland or, as against Australia last autumn, a match saver. But it is not just about his thrilling attacking qualities. His defensive contribution has always been a huge asset to Ireland too. Add in his qualities as a captain. Here is a man who leads by example, and Saturday will be the 63rd time his team-mates have run out behind their richly-talented outside centre. "I have played with Brian for many years and we all know he's world class. Every team in the world fears and respects him," said Ireland full-back Geordan Murphy. "They all worry about him and as a result he makes space for players around him. He's a good guy with it, as well. "It's unbelievable that he has such stature in world rugby at a relatively young age."  | 606: DEBATE |
The opposing coach for Saturday's landmark game against Wales at Croke Park will be Warren Gatland, who was in charge of Ireland when O'Driscoll won his first cap as a 20-year-old. "It was an honour for me to be involved with him then," said Gatland. "And during the Lions tour [of South Africa last summer, when Gatland was an assistant coach] I could see just how much he had developed as a player and a leader, how much he understands the game and the impact he has on other players. "I think he has a few more years left. Ireland have looked after him, they have not overplayed him. "He is important to them as an individual and captain as they work towards the World Cup." O'Driscoll has played in three World Cups, been on three Lions tours and savoured Six Nations and Heineken Cup triumphs. Ireland have rarely thrived on the World Cup stage. If Declan Kidney's men are to have any chance in New Zealand in September next year, they will surely need their top player on top of this game.
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