Grand Slam stands out for 100-cap O'Driscoll

Brian O’Driscoll collects his 100th cap for Ireland admitting his career has been invigorated by last season’s Grand Slam triumph.

O’Driscoll will become the 14th player to join the ranks of rugby’s centurions when he leads Ireland out for the 63rd time in Saturday’s RBS 6 Nations clash with Wales at Croke Park.

The enduringly brilliant 31-year-old, who is known for his durability and courage as much as his attacking gifts, was close to his dazzling best last season.

In spearheading Ireland’s march to the Grand Slam – the highlight of a 11-year Test career littered with headline moments – he yet again confirmed his position as the heartbeat of the team.

The twilight years may now be upon him but O’Driscoll refuses to consider retirement as long as he remains a force to be reckoned with.

“I’m really enjoying my rugby,” said the Lions centre, who was pipped to the century of Ireland appearances by John Hayes against England 11 days ago.

“Last year was fantastic – it makes things a lot easier when you win something that you’ve been trying to win for many years.

“That success makes you enjoy things more and you become more selfish.

“I do know there is an end line in sight so now it’s about trying to attain as much as possible in that time.

“I love getting out on the pitch every day. Exercising for a living is pretty good.

“When you win your first cap it’s such a huge honour, especially at such a young age. At the start you want as many as possible.

“Then your mindset changes to you want to win as much as possible to keep getting those caps.

“If the 100 comes well and good, but you never set out looking to reach that level.

“For a number of years every match I’ve played in a green jersey has been approached as though it was my last.

“You can’t go too far wrong with that attitude and I’m not done yet. I’ll play for as long as the body allows.”

O’Driscoll has repeatedly stated he will wait until his career is over before reflecting on his achievements and heartaches, but today he was happy to muse on his swirling fortunes.

Inevitably, the famous hat-trick against France a decade ago that heralded his arrival as a formidable talent ranks highly.

“I won’t forget the second half of the game in Cardiff last year when we won the Grand Slam in a hurry,” he said.

“That match against France in Paris 10 years ago also stands out because it’s only in subsequent years that I’ve realised how big a triumph it was.

“Along the way I’ve been involved in some great occasions and experienced some great changing room atmospheres. It’s something that players only get to appreciate.

“On the downside, in the early years we had a couple of bad defeats at Twickenham and I don’t have great memories from the 2007 World Cup.

“Missing out on being part of the first game at Croke Park was hugely disappointing.

“I’ve had my low days but over the course of my career, the highs have outweighed the lows.”

O’Driscoll, who names Australia legend Tim Horan as his most dangerous opponent, first led Ireland in November 2002, marking the occasion with an 18-9 victory over the Wallabies.

“It was a shock to get the captaincy – I was 23 years old and didn’t see it coming. You don’t now overlook an honour like that,” he said.

“It’s become easier and has come more naturally over the years.

“I still work on my captain’s day speech on the Friday like I did the very first time so that I’ve put some thought into it.”

Ireland made just one change to the 22 that defeated England 20-16 at Twickenham with Rob Kearney, available after recovering from a knee injury, replacing Andrew Trimble on the bench.