O'Driscoll impressed by Best's leadership
As he continues his rehabilitation Brian O’Driscoll admits he was impressed by Rory Best’s performance as Irish captain in the 32-14 victory over Scotland in the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.
Having been sidelined since a shoulder operation last November O’Driscoll has seen Paul O’Connell and Best step in as Ireland captain.
The Ulster hooker made a brave call in the early stages of Saturday’s game, choosing to go for the lineout from penalty which was within kicking range for Sexton.
It paid off however with the captain crossing for a try after a well worked training ground move to hand Ireland the lead for the first time in the game.
O’Driscoll believes that brave call was just one example of Best’s admirable leadership against the Scots.
“I thought Ireland played very well in the first half to grab the game by the scruff of the neck,” the centre wrote in his O2 diary.
“The ballsy decision by Rory Best to go for the lineout from which he scored a try, epitomised his captaincy.
“You're looking for leaders to be exactly that and react to the ebb and flow of the game.”
Impressed as he was by Ireland’s triumph at the weekend, the Leinster star believes England laid down a marker with their victory in Paris and will be confident heading into the St. Patrick’s Day showdown against Kidney’s men.
“I trained on Saturday and Sunday and also took in the France v England match.
“There's no doubt that their confidence is building, and rightly so based on the performance in Paris.
“They’ll have a proper go at us in Twickenham this weekend.”
Having opted for an operation to correct the ‘stinger’ injury which has burdened him for some time, it was expected that O’Driscoll would miss the entire season.
However he has shown his customary determination in rehabilitation and has targeted a return to action in April.
The progress in his recovery has seen him return to the Leinster training setup, something which he appears to have mixed emotions about.
“I have a fitness session this afternoon and because of the 'A' interprovincial against Connacht (on Wednesday) there are only eight of us, which means no hiding place.
“Unfortunately that number includes Fionn Carr, Isa Nacewa and Ian Madigan who are ferocious trainers, so I have a feeling that Joe (Schmidt) is going to find it pretty easy to spot me.”
