Cardiff holds no fears for Irish

WITH a record in Cardiff like Ireland’s it is no wonder Brian O’Driscoll considers the Millennium Stadium one of the best venues in world rugby.

Ireland have lost only once in the past 28 years in the Welsh capital, a 32-20 reverse coming in 2005 but otherwise the home side has had no joy on home turf against their Celtic cousins, not least on the last visit of the Irish, the Grand Slam-winning victory of 2009.

“It does bring back good memories,” O’Driscoll said yesterday following his captain’s run at the Millennium Stadium.

“Going back into the dressing-room, last time we were there, we had some very good times. The first time back since then is obviously going to do that. You’ll always have fond memories of a place that you’ve had big success in.

“We’ll look forward to playing here, irrespective of what happened two years ago, because as I said during the week it’s one of the best stadiums in the world. Atmosphere-wise it’s fairly unrivalled so it’s one to look forward to.”

Wales’s lack of success at home to the Irish has long been a source of confusion, particularly for former Test star and current national team skills coach Neil Jenkins.

“As a player I never lost in Lansdowne Road and never won in Cardiff, so I don’t know, I’m not sure if that’s right or wrong,” Jenkins said.

“It’s one of those things, they’ve got a fantastic record here. It’s a place they’re very comfortable with, whether it be the old Arms Park or in the new Millennium Stadium. If I knew what it was we’d have beaten them by now.”

Ireland, too, have two wins from three in this year’s Six Nations but have failed to convince in those victories over Italy and Scotland. However, O’Driscoll disputed the suggestion his side had slipped from the high watermark of 2009.

“I think things have been pretty marginal. That is the difference at Test-match level, essentially we are results-driven and people talk about how you’ve done off the back of what success you’ve had. Granted both sides have only lost one game in the championship so far, which is far from catastrophic. But because of the high standards both in Wales and Ireland now, people are aiming for the ultimate in trying to chase Slams having achieved them both in the last few years. I don’t think we’re a million miles away from where we were a couple of years ago but a little way to go.”