Lions: Gatland Omits O’Driscoll for Sydney Decider

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Brian-O'Driscoll

Graham Boville in Australia

…Or perhaps a better headline would be “Gatland almost blows up internet”

Warren Gatland has named a surprise squad for Saturday’s tour decider in Sydney, with Alun Wyn Jones preferred as captain ahead of O’Driscoll, the seasoned Lion instead slotting back into his preferred position at outside centre…no?

Ok, just checking the squad sheet again…Still can’t see him, must be starting from the bench then…

Good God!

The most surprising line up since Mumford and Sons headlined Glastonbury sees the head coach make six changes to the side that were narrowly beaten in Melbourne on Saturday, naming a record equalling ten Welshmen in the starting XV alone, at the expense of Brian O’Driscoll.

Prop Alex Corbisiero and hooker Richard Hibbard replace Mako Vunipola and Tom Youngs respectively in the front row, the latter two drop down to the bench, while the impressive Sean O’Brien is preferred ahead of Justin Tipuric (who also starts on the bench) at flanker in . . .

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2 responses to “Lions: Gatland Omits O’Driscoll for Sydney Decider”

  1. Andrew

    As an Irish and Ulsterman I support all things White and Green. I have to check myself when something like this happens to ensure my feelings do not translate themselves into blinkered rampant jingoism.
    Your alternative title of ‘Gatland almost blows up internet’ tells a story though as it seems that the defence of BOD is not just coming from .IE addresses, but all over – The Australian Press, Dan Carter, David Campese, Robbie Deans………

    The thing that really grates though is the way Gatland has sold the dropping of BOD; “Brian O’Driscoll is a great player and has had a wonderful career but for the final Test in Sydney we just felt Jamie Roberts’ presence offered us something more.” and repeated for good effect.
    The thing is, it’s not BOD that he is replacing, its Davies, who in turn is moving out to 13 and replacing BOD.

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