Six Nations 2014: Ireland seek perfect send-off for Brian O’Driscoll with Six Nations glory

Ireland face France in next weekend's tournament finale

Nick Purewal
Sunday 09 March 2014 21:49 GMT
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Brian O'Driscoll of Ireland shows his emotions as he walks from the field after his final home international after the Six Nations match between Ireland and Italy
Brian O'Driscoll of Ireland shows his emotions as he walks from the field after his final home international after the Six Nations match between Ireland and Italy

Ireland must deliver the Six Nations title to pay due homage to Brian O’Driscoll’s record-breaking career, according to the centre’s team-mate Eoin Reddan.

The seven-try, 46-7 hammering of Italy on Saturday leaves Ireland in pole position to take the Six Nations title with victory over France in Paris – assuming England do not run riot against Italy – after which O’Driscoll will retire from internationals.

The 35-year-old will extend his Test appearance world record to 141 caps at the Stade de France but, despite 15 years at the top of the world game, has claimed only one Six Nations crown, the 2009 Grand Slam. Now his Leinster team-mate believes the only way to do that record justice is to pull off a rare victory on French soil.

“This win over Italy won’t mean much if we don’t back it up next week,” said Reddan. “We have already spoken about that in the dressing room after the game.

“Now we as players have to deliver, and give him a pat on the back in a different way, by producing a really huge performance in France to give Brian a proper and well-deserved send-off.”

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