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O'Driscoll not distracted by milestone

Brian O'Driscoll will win his 100th cap for Ireland on Saturday © Getty Images

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Captain Brian O'Driscoll has played down the significance of his 100th Ireland cap and insists it will be business as usual when he leads the side out against Wales at Croke Park on Saturday.

O'Driscoll, who joined rugby's centurions last November thanks to his six caps for the British & Irish Lions, will become the second Irishman in as many weeks to rack up 100 caps for his country after prop John Hayes reached the milestone against England. The 31-year-old, who made his debut 11 years ago and has since captained Ireland 62 times, admitted it will be a special moment but insists the result it all that matters.

"I don't think the occasion will affect me. I'll enjoy it and look forward to it. It'll just be another Test match," said O'Driscoll. "It will be a proud moment for me and my family when I lead the team out but otherwise it will be business as usual. There will be a little bit of emotion, but I've never been one for letting that get out of control."

O'Driscoll believes his decision to reject offers to join English and French clubs in favour of staying with Leinster helps explain his longevity.

"Staying in Ireland was a huge decision. All players in Ireland are looked after very well by the Irish Rugby Football Union," he said. "We're not forced to play with injuries. There's a limit to the amount of games we play, so in that respect we've been very lucky.

"The union have got it right in trying to prolong careers and helping guys play at the top level and peak at certain times. Being able to stay in Ireland close to family and friends and play for the province that I love has made a huge difference."

O'Driscoll feels more comfortable on the pitch having tackled the recurring hamstring injuries that have hampered his career. A specialised stretching routine and focus on other muscle groups in the leg appear to have to rectified the problem, though the 31-year-old is wary of tempting fate.

"At times it was difficult not knowing where it went wrong with the hamstring injuries," he said. "Generally I think I've been fortunate with injury so far. The dislocated shoulder after the 2005 Lions tour was the serious one.

"But the hamstrings also suffered for a couple of years and while that has been addressed, it's still a work in progress. It makes it easier knowing my hamstrings don't feel tight when I play. I don't have that at the back of my head at the moment."

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