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Ask any Irish rugby fan and they will still be feeling pretty bitter about Lions head coach Warren Gatland’s decision to drop Brian O’Driscoll for the final test in the 2013 tour of Australia.
Ireland’s finest rugby export was nearing retirement and the third test was meant to be his grand farewell, his last ever time donning the famous red jersey.
It was not to be however, as Gatland dropped the legendary centre in favour of Jonathan Davies. It was a decision that saw many fans cry foul, with suggestions being made that the Wales head coach was favouring his Welsh players in the squad.
As it turned out, Davies played a blinder, as he had all tour, and the Lions destroyed Australia in the deciding test 41-16. Gatland was vindicated.
For his part, O’Driscoll watched on from the sidelines beside injured Lions captain Paul O’Connell.
Now, as the build up to the 2017 tour of New Zealand continues, Gatland has spoken of that fateful decision and has extolled admiration and praise on O’Driscoll and the professional manner in which he handled the disappointment of being dropped.
Take a look.
Video Credit: The British & Irish Lions
Gary Brennan, Pundit Arena
On this week’s Oval Office Podcast, Jacques Burger talks about his battle with depression, Benetton Treviso’s Ian McKinley reviews Italy’s performance against England and Daniel Killick of The Attacking Scrum tells us what’s gone wrong with Wales.
