Irish legend Brian O’Driscoll is set to make history tomorrow, by equalling the world record for most rugby union international test appearances.
How fitting that O’Driscoll’s record match will be at Twickenham, the home of old enemy England.
At 4 o’clock Saturday, the Dublin-born ace will lead his team out in front of 80,000 screaming fans, hoping to secure a third consecutive victory in this year’s Six Nations. A win would secure the Triple Crown for the first time since 2009, and keep open the possibility of an Irish Grand Slam.
Just as he did five years ago, when he skippered the side to a famous victory over England at Croke Park on the way to securing Ireland’s only second ever Grand Slam.
O’Driscoll is a national hero in Ireland. Like David Beckham, Michael Jordan, Usain Bolt, he has reached the very top in his sport, and remained there year in year out.
Tomorrow’s game will be O’Driscoll’s 139th international Test appearance, drawing him level with Australian legend George Gregan. A remarkable testament to his ability and consistency, to stay at the top of such a physically demanding sport for so long.
O’Driscoll will certainly go on to break Gregan’s record in a couple of weeks’ time in Ireland’s next game against Italy barring any injures.
But for now, as always, his focus will be solely on his next match and the best way to get the victory for his team.
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