Nice while it lasted.
Brian O’Driscoll played his 141st, and last, Test in March 2014.
Typical of a man who’s career was sugared with stardust, O’Driscoll signed off as a Six Nations champion.
The Irish legend’s record, which he claimed from Australia’s George Gregan, lasted all of 17 months. It will be equaled by New Zealand’s Richie McCaw.
The All Blacks captain was named as openside for their Bledisloe Cup encounter with Australia, on Saturday.
McCaw has played 140 times for his country since he made his debut, against Ireland, in 2001.
The 34-year-old has an incredible Test record.
- Richie McCaw: 140 caps, 124 wins, 14 defeats, 89.28 win %
- Brian O’Driscoll: 141 caps [133 for Ireland], 82 wins, 57 defeats, 58.86 win %
- George Gregan: 139 caps, 93 wins, 44 defeats, 67.62 win %
Former Australian captain Phil Kearns qualified this statement about Richie McCaw and Dan Carter, who will play their final Bledisloe games this weekend, with ‘all due respect’.
‘Two awesome footballers and two of the best of their generation,’ he told Fox Sports.
‘And from an Aussie supporter perspective, good riddance to them and let’s hope they never come back.’
Meanwhile, the Wallabies are unleashing David Pocock and Michael Hooper against their fiercest rivals.
Hooper will retain the openside role while Pocock will start at No.8.
"Hooper and Pocock forced my hand really" Michael Cheika. #AUSvNZL #BledisloeCup pic.twitter.com/SOukD4XOv5
— Wallabies (@wallabies) August 6, 2015
