Ireland great O’Driscoll calls for one last hurrah in Paris
After being moved to tears in his last home test, Irish centre seeks a dream finale
Brian O’Driscoll has called on his Ireland teammates to raise their game one last time as he bids to retire from international rugby on a high.
The legendary 35-year-old centre was reduced to tears after his man of the match performance in the 46-7 victory over Italy at Lansdowne Road, a win that leaves Ireland on the verge of a second championship title in five years.
I couldn't have asked for a better close to playing at home in an Irish jersey
On the occasion of his last appearance at home in a green shirt, O'Driscoll had a hand in three of seven tries that leaves Joe Schmidt's men dreaming of a victory in Paris this Saturday that, with a +81 points difference, would almost certainly see them crowned Six Nations champions.
"It was great, I couldn't have asked for a better close to playing at home in an Irish jersey," said O'Driscoll, who if victorious in Paris would hold the record for most wins in the Five/Six Nations with 45, having equalled former England prop Jason Leonard's mark of 44 with the Italy victory.
"To score 46 points and concede just one try - it made the day what it was. I'll remember the day for a very long time. It wasn't emotional before the game, I was focused on the game, but it was emotional at the end. It's hard to take it all in.
"If I go home and watch it all again, I might get more emotional again - but it was very special, if a little embarrassing.
"I feel we have the capabilities now of winning in Paris of course, more so now than other times we've gone over there.