Twickenham is perfect place to forge reputation

THERE can be no finer or more intimidating arena to parade one’s talents than the hallowed Twickenham pitch.

And it's there on Saturday that Paul O'Connell hopes to win over the few remaining doubters that he is one of the great second-row forwards of the modern era; a fitting heir to other famous Irish forwards like Willie John McBride, Moss Keane and Donal Lenihan, and one fit to carry the mantle of Northern Hemisphere rugby recently discarded by Martin Johnson.

It is, of course, the absence of Johnson, among others, that prompts the more optimistic Irish followers to believe the world champions can be turned over on their own turf.