O’Driscoll has taken the rugby world by storm since debuting against the Wallabies less than four years ago.
He came to the notice of fans throughout the world with a hat-trick against France in Paris in 2000, and repeated the feat against Scotland in 2002. O’Driscoll’s 18 Test tries in only 36 Tests is a national record, and he has also slotted three dropped goals at the highest level, including two against the All Blacks.
The 24-year-old has captained Ireland in six Tests since Keith Wood’s injury, winning the lot. His position as the world’s best centre is unchallenged, and few would argue his position as the world’s best player. O’Driscoll is already being compared to Irish great Mike Gibson, and by the time he retires, will have collected most of his country’s rugby records.
Anthony Foley
