O’Driscoll backed for Lions captaincy

MARK TAYLOR reckons Brian O’Driscoll will earn the right to regain the British Lions captaincy — if Ireland clinch the Grand Slam tomorrow. Ireland face Wales in a Six Nations decider aiming to deliver their first Slam in 61 years.

And ex-Lions centre Taylor reckons influential skipper O’Driscoll can secure the armband for the summer tour to South Africa with victory in Cardiff.

Taylor said: “I expect Brian to get the Lions captaincy job. I thought Wales’ Ryan Jones may get it at the start of the Six Nations but the way Brian has played has put him right back in contention. His career has had everything but if he can achieve the Grand Slam, then he would join the other greats who have graced the game.

“Winning the Grand Slam is everything for an international player and for most of the Ireland’s players it’s their last chance. As a Welsh man it feels strange to say but I hope that he wins it.”

Taylor was part of the Wales side who triumphed over Ireland to win the Slam in 2005 — for the first time in 27 years.

And he reckons Ireland’s hopes at the Millennium Stadium rest on the shoulders of fly-half Ronan O’Gara.

Taylor, 36, said: “It’s not the ideal venue for Ireland. Munster know how to win big games but for Ireland in the green jersey, it still holds a historical barrier and a lot will rest on Ronan O’Gara’s shoulders. It depends how he responds to that. He didn’t play well against England in their only other big game this season. Ireland still have a lot to do and they could crack. Wales will start as favourites for the game because they are due a performance. They played well in the first half at Scotland but have come off the boil since then. There’s a big performance in them and with the pressure on Ireland, I believe Wales will win the game.”

Meanwhile Wales winger Shane Williams has pledged that the hosts will keep the ball in hand and challenge Ireland’s width at the Millennium Stadium tomorrow.

“I think we kicked it 49 times (in Rome),” he said. “We all know Wales are a better side when they’ve got ball in hand and are attacking defences. But you learn from games. There has got to be a balance.

“There will still be a kicking duel on Saturday – Ronan O’Gara probably kicks the ball more than anyone, and he’s very clever at it – but we need to get the balance right and start moving the Irish back-line around a little bit.”

If Wales click, Ireland’s prolonged Grand Slam wait could stretch into its 62nd year, with the title also eluding them.

Williams added: “What better time to play out of your skins against an Irish side that is coming to win the Grand Slam – and take the Grand Slam from us? It’s almost a little bit personal. This would be the perfect time to perform like we know we can.’’