Schmidt hails the 'magician' O'Driscoll

“The magician” Brian O’Driscoll is the “final bastion” of creative centre play, according to Ireland boss Joe Schmidt.

O’Driscoll conjured three of Ireland’s seven tries in the thumping 46-7 RBS 6 Nations victory over Italy, a glorious farewell from international duty in Dublin for the 35-year-old.

Ireland march onto their final-weekend clash with France in Paris with a credible chance of claiming their first title since 2009.

O’Driscoll will make his last-ever Ireland bow next week, when he extends his all-time Test caps record to 141, as head coach Schmidt’s side chase just their second win in Paris in 42 years.

Former Leinster boss Schmidt hailed O’Driscoll’s Dublin departure, admitting the British and Irish Lions stalwart warranted every shred of adulation.

“It was from a set play that the magician managed to get the ball out nicely, perfectly-timed and set up for Johnny (Sexton) to get the space for seven-nil,” said New Zealander Schmidt.

“I think it was an incredibly special day, he made it special because he had a hand in three tires.

“His ability to get into space, and get the right pass away at the right time, even if he creates a pass that’s probably not out of the textbook.

“He’s an incredibly creative man, he’s courageous and he’s got a bit of class about him.

“In the days of the big direct running, he might be the final bastion along with Gordon (D’Arcy) for the smaller centre who is a creator of play rather than a direct runner.

“I thought the crowd were phenomenal.

“I guess it’s partly he wanted to acknowledge the support he’s had, and the crowd gave that back in return.

“I didn’t see anyone leave after the final whistle, it was fantastic.”

This time last season Schmidt helped convince O’Driscoll not to retire, with the evergreen centre committing to one more year.

Now Ireland stand primed to fight for the Six Nations title in Paris, the scene of O’Driscoll’s stunning 2000 hat-trick, and Schmidt admitted relief at helping the midfielder extend his glittering career just that bit further.

“There was a bit of bullying both ways really, going back quite a few months now,” said Schmidt.

“But I’m delighted he stayed on.

“I think even for guys like Darren Cave and Robbie Henshaw who have been in camp, he’s worked really well with those two, so whoever does take over, he’s shared a lot of his knowledge with them.

“He’s given a feedback on the line they’re running at training, or their timing of pass, type of pass or quality of it.

“So even in that context he’s been generous to a fault, and I think he was pretty generous with his performance today.”

Admitting the weight of history will sit against Ireland in Paris next weekend, Schmidt vowed his squad will not allow it to become a distraction.

“I guess you know it exists, it’s a bit like the milestone Brian O’Driscoll achieved today,” he said.

“It’s there, it sits in the ether, but it’s not the focus of what you do.

“We just build a game plan and a structure that we think can be successful.

“We’re pretty pragmatic, the history sits there and we’re conscious of it, but I don’t think it will be a distraction.”