AFTER John Hayes became Ireland’s first centurion against England last time out in the Six Nations, this weekend against Wales, is the turn of Ireland captain Brian O Driscoll. Arguably the best centre in world rugby, O Driscoll is Ireland’s highest try scorer and led Ireland to Grand Slam glory in 2009.
The Dublin-born star first made world headlines when his hat-trick of tries against France in 2000 guided Ireland to their first win in Paris for 28 years. Educated at Blackrock College and University College Dublin, O’Driscoll won his first senior cap on the 1999 summer tour to Australia. Since then the power house 13 has gone on to collect triple crowns and captain the Lions. After a lull in form in the mid noughties, last season saw the Leinster man reach the pinnacle of his career. In the space of a few weeks, the hard hitting magician had won a Grand Slam and Heineken Cup. As with John Hayes, this number 13 and captain is one of a kind, the likes of which will probably never to be seen again.
Looking forward to this weekend’s game, Ireland, even though they lost to France are still on for a triple crown. With successive home games against Wales and Scotland, Ireland should be favourites to end the season on a high.
Ireland coach Declan Kidney has named an unchanged side for this Saturday’s 2.30pm kick off. There is one change in the match day 22 however as Rob Kearney returns from injury to replace Andrew Trimble on the bench.
The Welsh side, minus their captain Ryan Jones, shows some surprises. One being Gareth Delve of Gloucester being chosen at number eight – presumably to target Jamie Heaslip. With Ireland at home and looking like finding some form, this should be a win for the men in green. Should be, but then again, this is Wales.
