I argued the toss with Gatland over O’Driscoll. He knows how big a call he’s made

It’s a dozen years since our columnist was manager of the Lions tour heading into a decisive final test in Sydney. He’s been facing his demons this week.

This was always going to be the most difficult and challenging week of Warren Gatland’s coaching career, even before he decided to omit Brian O’Driscoll from the match-day squad for today’s deciding Test.

The last week of any tour is challenging at the best of times, for the Lions even more so. Had they been told at the outset of their trek that they would still be contending for series honours when they arrived for the finale in Sydney, I am sure they would have taken it.