 Brian O'Driscoll could be one of the contenders to captain the 2009 Lions |
Brian O'Driscoll has revealed that winning a Lions call is an extra spur for teams in the 2009 RBS Six Nations. The 2005 Lions captain is bidding for his third tour with the British and Irish representative side for the trip to world champions South Africa. "There's definitely an added incentive to individually and collectively perform in the Six Nations due to the summer's Lions tour," said O'Driscoll. "But I don't think there is a need to put any extra pressure on yourself." Ireland skipper O'Driscoll faces tough competition for the outside centre place in Lions coach Ian McGeechan's Test team against the Springboks. Fellow Irishman Luke Fitzgerald, England veteran Mike Tindall and Wales pair Tom Shanklin and Jamie Roberts will challenge the hugely experienced O'Driscoll for the number 13 jersey.  | 606: DEBATE |
But the 30-year-old Leinster star knows that if he can inspire his country to their first Six Nations success since 1985, an extra reward could be a call to arms from McGeechan. "It is the team that probably does best in the Six Nations from the home unions that will probably have the largest share of Lions players," said O'Driscoll, capped 88 times by Ireland. "As they will be the guys in form, that's the way it works, but it'll be a team effort. It is a good incentive as a team to put yourself at the top of the list. "There is a lot of strength in a lot of positions, not just my own, so everyone will want to perform. "But my view is there's no point getting caught up in something you're not in control of selection-wise. "All I'm in control of is trying to play my game to the best of my ability. If it is good enough for the Lions then great, if not I'll deal with that." O'Driscoll played in all three Lions Tests on their unsuccessful 2001 tour to Australia. But he lasted just one minute of Test rugby in New Zealand in 2005 after a shoulder injury following a spear-tackle from All Black pair Keven Mealamu and Tana Umaga. McGeechan and his backroom staff of Warren Gatland, Shaun Edwards and Rob Howley - the Wales coaching team - will name their final squad of around 35 players in April, after the Six Nations. Despite the Wales make-up of the coaching team, O'Driscoll is sure there will be no favouritism towards Welsh players. "I think if you're playing well, you're playing well," he said. "No-one can ignore that, irrespective of which country you're playing for. "There's a lot of rugby to be played between now and then, so guys who are not in the best of form now have plenty of time to impress." The Lions' 10-match trip to South Africa from 24 May includes Test matches in Durban, Pretoria and Johannesburg.
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