No joy for anyone waiting for BOD

Brian O’Driscoll has missed just 28 of the 143 Tests Ireland have played since making his debut against Australia at Ballymore in June 1999 and only 11 other men have worn the No 13 jersey in that time.

Rob Henderson was the first to deputise, in a 34-23 loss to Argentina in Ferrocaril Oeste 13 years ago, and did so again a week later against the USA before Munster’s Mike Mullins stepped in against Canada.

Mullins would fulfil the role another four times but the majority of those who followed ultimately made names for themselves in other areas of the pitch, mindful perhaps that 13 would prove unlucky for anyone with such designs.