RUGBY:WARREN GATLAND, the coach who picked Brian O'Driscoll for his first cap as a 20-year-old before he had even played for Leinster almost 11 years ago in Brisbane, yesterday paid handsome tribute to the man who will lead out Ireland against his Welsh side on Saturday, writes GERRY THORNLEY.
“I gave him his first cap and it was an honour for me to be involved with him with the Lions last year, to see how he’s developed. I was incredibly impressed with his leadership and his understanding of the game. He was one of the main reasons Jamie Roberts ended up having such a good tour. He deserves all the accolades and I will be one of the first to stand up in the coaching box on Saturday and clap him.
“I’m absolutely delighted for him and proud I have had an association with him.
“Brian has got natural flair, is a good passer off both hands, has got a step and fantastic pace. He would most definitely be in most people’s World XV of the last decade.
“My greatest memory of Brian was the hat-trick of tries he scored in 2000 when Ireland beat France in Paris for the first time in 27 years. I remember the French great Philippe Sella coming in to the changing room to congratulate him afterwards and saying it was one of the most impressive centre performances he had ever seen.”
