Four-time British & Irish Lion Brian O’Driscoll is adamant he can finally end his wait for a victory over New Zealand in Dublin this weekend.
Ireland’s record try-scorer has played the world champions 13 times in total, including the 2005 tour with the British & Irish Lions, but has never come out on top.
There have been some close calls for O’Driscoll, namely the 22-19 defeat in Christchurch last summer in the green of Ireland.
But the 34-year-old wants to end his time with Ireland with a win notched up against New Zealand – and Sunday’s clash with the 2017 host of the Lions represents a good chance according to the man himself.
“I’m going into it thinking there’s a distinct possibility of beating them, and we need to do everything we can to prepare ourselves for giving ourselves a good chance,” he told the Irish Times.
“But I just can’t think of it not being a great chance, a great opportunity. All you can ask is for these opportunities.
“You’re never guaranteed any more than that and this is just one more opportunity and for me it’s my last opportunity.
“It will be a frustration for sure (if he loses) but I don’t know if it will it gnaw at me. It’s very hard to answer that going into the last time I’m ever going to play against them.
“Going in thinking that this week is a defeatist attitude.
“Reflection is for when you’re not playing anymore and I’m not a reflective guy, certainly not now and I don’t even know if I will be in time.”
