No Lions revenge for O'Driscoll

Rugby great Brian O’Driscoll has pleaded with the Irish public to let go and move on from his controversial Lions axing as he prepares for one last battle against the Wallabies.

In his 15th and final season, the 34-year-old centre has wiped memories of the Lions’ slight to relish the prospect of another “game of chess” against a rebuilding Australia at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on Sunday morning (AEDT).

O’Driscoll on Friday rubbished claims he was eying the intriguing clash as a chance to avenge his dumping from the series-deciding Test in Sydney four months ago.

British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland stunned all and sundry by overlooking the 134-Test legend, who had been expected to be appointed captain, in favour of combining his Welsh centres Jamie Roberts and Jonathan Davies.

Gatland’s brave choice came up trumps through a 41-16 thumping, sparking a Wallabies’ form slump, but he still hasn’t been forgiven by most in Ireland.

“It’s not about revenge, it’s all nonsense,” he said. “I played twice against (Australia) during the summer.

“That’s gone. Let go of it. I know I’ve let go of it.”

O’Driscoll, who made his Test debut against childhood hero Tim Horan in Brisbane 14 years ago, looks forward to playing the Wallabies most as he enjoys the strategic and skilful side of the battle.

“You have to be clever when you do,” he said. “They’re an intelligent team and it’s nice having that little bit of game of chess against them trying to outsmart one another.

“I always like watching them, they’re exciting. They’ve got players like Quade Cooper who tries things. They’ve got athletes like Israel Folau and (Will) Genia’s (world-class).

“When you have players the calibre of those guys you’re never going to be far away from being a top side.

“They will be superpower again very soon.”

The last time Australia ventured to Dublin, it was O’Driscoll who broke their hearts with a last-gasp try at Croke Park that snatched a 20-20 draw and ended their hopes of a 2009 grand slam.

Cooper was playing inside centre that day and was powerless to stop the veteran from a perfectly-executed scrum move.

The Wallabies five-eighth, 25, remains in awe of O’Driscoll, and can’t help but speak of him in glowing terms.

“For me Brian O’Driscoll epitomises rugby,” Cooper said. “He’s a competitive bloke. He’s a tough athlete. He’s very successful.

“But he’s also continued to be able to evolve his game.

“Lots of people are thereabouts for five or 10 years then they just fade off but Brian O’Driscoll has always been top of the class … as a rugby player in the world.”

O’Driscoll has kept his Test retirement plans close to his chest but this could well be his penultimate appearance as there would be no more fitting swansong than a long-cherished first victory over the All Blacks at the redeveloped Lansdowne Road next weekend.