O'Driscoll: I'm getting better

Ireland skipper Brian O’Driscoll – widely regarded as the best centre in world rugby – believes he has developed into a more complete player.

O’Driscoll made his international debut in June 1999 but was really catapulted into the limelight during the 2000 RBS 6 Nations when he ran in a stunning hat-trick of tries against France.

A host of masterful performances, for Ireland and the 2001 Lions, have since sealed his reputation as the most dangerous midfielder in the game, an accolade he has yet to relinquish.

However, by O’Driscoll’s own admission, in the past the threat he has posed as a supremely gifted strike runner who can breach opposition backlines with his rapid footwork has not been matched by other areas of his game.

But few weaknesses could be detected against South Africa in the opening autumn Test as he exhibited a more physical edge in attack and defence, taking the ball up on the crash and knocking the Springboks backwards with the ferocity of his tackling.

It confirmed he has no peers as a centre, but the Leinster star admits he has had to work hard to take his game to the next level.

“I like to think I’m a better all-round player now. I’m always looking at those parts of my game that are a little rusty or need improvement. If that’s helped make me a better player then great,” he said.

“People are starting to realise that being a centre is not just about attacking. I like to think I have more to offer now than just being good with the ball in hand.

“You’re not always going to get free-flowing matches because of the conditions, so you have to mix your game up.

“I think I showed I can do that against South Africa when there wasn’t much space and we had to rough and tumble it a bit.”

A glance at Ireland’s autumn Test fixture list would have left the impression that the opening match against South Africa was going to be the biggest obstacle between them and a clean sweep of victories.

But Argentina’s 24-14 triumph over France in the Grand Slam champions’ Marseille stronghold suggests Saturday’s clash with the Pumas will be every bit as ferocious as the Springbok encounter.

O’Driscoll said: “I was a little surprised at Argentina’s win because France haven’t lost at the Stade Velodrome.

“I heard that the Pumas have now beaten the French in the previous three Tests, but France had beaten Australia the week before and played some really good rugby in the process so I expected them to win.

“I’ve seen snippets of the match; the Pumas played an excellent spoiling game and they make it very hard to compete against them. The best way to describe it is it’s like playing 15 Alan Quinlans.

“Saturday is going to be a hugely physical game. If we win it, it could be the result of all three Tests this month – provided we also play well. We must play extremely well if we are to beat them.”