O’Connell was the man

THERE is no doubt in my mind that Paul O’Connell should have been handed the national captaincy by Declan Kidney yesterday after five great years of service from Brian O’Driscoll.

The Leinster man may not appreciate the need for change now but a fresh voice at the helm is needed to signal a new beginning.

O’Driscoll still has so much to offer at international level and a change could well have benefited him in the long run.

In the context of the Lions I feel the decision will not damage O’Connell’s candidature and still view him as the front runner for that role.

Martin Johnson was not captain of England when he led the Lions in 1997 under Ian McGeechan’s watch. Once again he will make up his own mind this time around.