Brian O’Driscoll’s stunning performance against France in 2000 was about more than the tries but the hat-trick that the then 21-year-old scored is firmly planted in Irish rugby history.
The outside centre’s trio of tries in a 27-25 victory in Paris, Ireland’s first there in 28 years, underlined O’Driscoll’s rich promise and set him on course to become a global superstar.
Brian O’Driscoll picks his dream backline – and includes himself, obviously
Ireland’s legendary centre Brian O’Driscoll has selected his all-time backline – and it’s incredible.
Looking back at a number of interview conducted by the former Leinster man, this is how his back division would line-up in a dream match.
#BACK-THREE:
15. Jason Robinson (England)
O’DRISCOLL SAID: “To get to see in close quarters what he was capable of. You see so much on a Saturday, but when you’re training and playing and watching players of that calibre leading up to a Saturday. You see some exceptional stuff that cameras don’t always catch.
“Jason, I knew so little of him in 2001 other than his rugby league talent. But to have a full appreciation of what his footwork was like, you need to defend against it, and it was horrible at times in training.
![](https://www.ruck.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/jason_robinson_try-1024x585.jpg)
“I would’ve analysed him a lot as I played against him, he was equally comfortable on either foot, it made no difference to him. There was no preference on ball carry, you just could not work him out. He honed the ability to be unpredictable as well.
“He might’ve been a small guy, but he packed a serious punch too.”
14. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
Has one man ever done more to popularise the game of rugby than Jonah? When he burst onto the scene at the 1995 World Cup, it was like a meteor landing from outer space.
O’Driscoll said: “He had all the qualities you would aspire to in a hero.
“No-one transcended the sport of rugby union quite like him; he was a force of nature with a blend of pace, power and size that has never before seen, certainly in a winger”
![](https://www.ruck.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/1998_Jonah-Lomu-fl_3503557k.jpg)
11. Shane Williams (Wales)
Named world player of the year in 2008, he ended up with 60 Test tries, leaving him fourth on the all-time list behind behind Daisuke Ohata, David Campese and Bryan Habana. He was The Great Entertainer.
O’Driscoll said: “Shane Williams was a left-foot step. The problem was if you waited for it on the inside he burnt you on the outside. A great player and teammate”
![](https://www.ruck.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Shane-Williams-Wales-1024x710.jpg)