Time on our side, insists O'Driscoll
Lions skipper Brian O’Driscoll insists the disappointment of Monday night’s wretched performance against Argentina will soon be forgotten when the tourists land in New Zealand.
A 25-25 draw with the Pumas was hardly the ideal way to start the tour but O’Driscoll believes with six more games scheduled before the first Test on June 25, players will get another opportunity to impress.
“There was the realisation against Argentina that we had only been together for four days of training, so we always knew things weren’t going to be perfect,” said the Ireland captain.
“There were some guys in the team who were a little disappointed with their displays but there will be further chances to show the selectors what they can do. Argentina was just one match in 12.”
Sir Clive Woodward’s men used a conservative gameplan at the Millennium Stadium and O’Driscoll, who will be featuring on his second Lions tour, explained it was never going to be a points fest.
“I don’t think the crowd quite knew what to expect. Some were obviously hoping for a Barbarians style performance but they were never going to get that. It was important that we didn’t lose the game,” he said.
“Argentina are one of the most difficult sides to play against in the world. They’re scrappy, they kill ball and are very good at competing at the tackle. Their style doesn’t lend itself to running rugby.”
The Lions depart for New Zealand this evening and O’Driscoll spoke of the excitement which has gripped the squad as they prepare to write their own chapter in the history books of one of rugby’s greatest institutions.
“There has been so much waiting for the last month and a half. After a while you just want to get on the plane and it’s then that the realisation will hit home that we’re actually going out there as Lions,” said the Leinster centre.
“Everything that has happened over the last couple of weeks will be nothing compared to what’s ahead of us when we touch down in Auckland. There is a huge level of excitement running throughout the squad.”
