Drico ready for the big one

FROM Temple Hill to the Aviva Stadium. It could be the name for an updated version of Ronan O’Gara’s autobiography but it is actually the dramatic arc which encompasses Brian O’Driscoll’s Leinster career from his debut through to tonight’s get together in Dublin 4.

It is also a pretty accurate and succinct synopsis of just how far the two provinces have come since the Irish captain made his debut against Munster at the home of Cork Constitution 11 years ago, a 31-20 win for the hosts.

It was a game sprinkled lavishly with players who would kickstart Irish rugby’s professional emergence.