Jenkins: O’Gara a legend of the game

FROM one Lions fly-half to another, Neil Jenkins paid tribute to Ronan O’Gara as he prepared to join his Welsh star in the 1,000-point club.

O’Gara, who will play his 107th international game this evening, needs just two points to become just the fifth player in Test rugby to reach 1000 points to join Jonny Wilkinson, Dan Carter, Jenkins and Diego Dominguez.

The Ireland fly-half also leads the Six Nations points list on 543 to Wilkinson’s 541 and, rivalries aside, the Wales skills coach is full of admiration for O’Gara’s achievements.

“He’s done everything, what can you say about Rog,” Jenkins said. “I’ve been lucky enough to tour with him in 2001 with the Lions and was involved as a kicking coach with him in 2009. He’s a great bloke and I get on very well with him and I think he’s a fantastic rugby player, achieved everything in the game, over 100 caps, a Munster legend.

“Heineken Cups with Munster, Grand Slam, Triple Crowns, three Lions tours and close to 1000 points. If I see him before the game I’ll have a bit of banter with him. He’s only two away and not too far from mine. He’s a great player, he’s been a legend for the game and a legend for Irish rugby.”

Two years on from O’Gara’s Grand Slam-securing drop goal in Cardiff, Jenkins put his players on red alert for a repeat performance. “It’s been a trait in these games over the last probably 10 years. I think Ronan in 2003, and two years ago for Ireland to win the Grand Slam, and he’s obviously got one already this season against Italy.”