Lions in SA
O'Driscoll: I am here to win
2009-06-18 22:33
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Stephen NellDurban – The Springbok backline will have to get their defence right on Saturday as the British and Irish Lions made their intentions clear by picking a formidable centre pair for the first Test at the Absa stadium.
Jamie Roberts and Brian O'Driscoll will be on duty for the Lions. Roberts has been particularly impressive with his explosive running abilities so far in the games against the South African provincial sides.
O'Driscoll is quite excited about making a success of his fifth Test in the Lions jersey. His tour against the All Blacks, in 2005, was cut short in the first Test by Tana Umaga and Keven Mealamu's double spear tackle.
"This is just another challenge for me but I said from the start I have no interest in being part of a losing team. That I have already done," said O'Driscoll, who in 2001 played in all three Tests in the series defeat against Australia.
"I want to be part of a team that does something special and makes history. That starts on Saturday."
The midfield of Roberts and O'Driscoll will be an important weapon in the Lions' attempt to achieve that goal. "We have combined well on tour, but we are still a centre pair in the making," said O’Driscoll.
"Jamie is a big and physical guy and has good skills. I hope that he will keep South Africa’s defenders on their toes. It could create space for me. As an outside backliner, it is great to play along such a skilled player."
"I have studied visual footage of South Africa. Jean de Villiers is very skilled for such a big player and gives the Boks good momentum. Adi Jacobs definitely knows the way to the try line. I expected them to pick that centre pair."
"Jaque Fourie was also excellent for the (Golden) Lions and they also have Wynand Olivier. It must have been difficult for Peter de Villiers (coach) to make the choice."
Even though he remains a leader in the squad, O'Driscoll enjoys his tour more without the responsibility of the captaincy. "It is very different, as there is less pressure on me and I can just enjoy it," he said.
"As a British or Irish player you can't ask for more than to be here now. It is the highlight of our careers to play for the Lions against a team in the southern hemisphere, and preferably, against the world champions. Where else would a guy want to be on Saturday than in Durban?"