O'Driscoll eyeing Lions spot
Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:08
Will Brian ODriscoll get another tour with the Lions?
Irish star Brian O'Driscoll admits that he is already dreaming of his third British and Irish Lions tour, despite the fact that is still some eight months away.
The Leinster and Ireland star suffered a terrible injury in 2005 during the opening test of the New Zealand tour and was then subsequently forced to watch on as his team went down 3-0 in a disappointing showing.
The current Irish captain admits that he has plenty on his plate to deal with before he can focus on a possible tour with the Lions, but says he has no doubt everyone already has half an eye on the season ending tour of South Africa.
"Whilst something which is eight months away isn't in the forefront of my mind, the players and the fans are fully aware already that this is a Lions season," he said.
"There's a heck of a lot of ruby to be played before then and as a player you are almost afraid to think too much about it, as so much can happen in that period.
"You really need to be in form going into the Six Nations and then the final rounds of the Heineken Cup before you are in with a real chance of selection.
"To me, the Lions is the carrot dangling heavily at the end of the season."
Speaking after an impressive showing for Leinster in their Heineken Cup opening round win over Edinburgh, the 29-year-old talked about the excitment that went with being a Lion and the great experience it was for any one who got the chance.
"It isn't about avenging the missed opportunities of the last tour, but I'd really love to be part of another Lions series," he said.
"I have been fortunate enough to play on two tours now. We should have won in Australia in 2001, and then the New Zealand tour for me was over before it started and we lost miserably.
"The Lions creates such excitement amongst players and fans across all of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
"You forget the enormity of it until the Lions season starts. It's the rareness of the event that makes it such a huge spectacle."
O’Driscoll has also given his support to the appointment of, current London Wasps Director of Rugby, Ian McGeechan as 2009 Lions head coach.
Having already had the experience of a successful Lions tour, almost eleven years ago, O’Driscoll says the Scots ability to create the right kind of environment will also no doubt be a big bonus for the tour.
"'Geech' brings a lot to the role. He seems to have the ability to bring about great camaraderie and bond teams in such a short time which is half the battle with a Lions tour," he said.
"And don't forget he has already had success with the Lions, especially on the last tour to South Africa in 1997.
"Playing South Africa at any time is a tough ask but it is do-able, and they can be beaten," he said.
"The Springboks are under huge pressure of their own to win. There is no way they will concede another loss to the Lions without going down with a fight.
"Next summer offers players a great chance to make a little bit of history."
