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Brian O’Driscoll Dropped from Lions: The Right Move but Will It Matter?
Published: July 3, 2013
Perhaps nothing can.
O'Driscoll was once the terror of European clubs and international back lines across the globe, including in the Southern Hemisphere. He was part of a long run of powerful Irish teams that dominated Northern Hemisphere rugby and put fear into the hearts of Southern Hemisphere rivals.
He was, in his prime, perhaps the greatest centre to ever play the game.
Those days are behind him, however, and now that he has been dropped from the final British and Irish Lions Test versus Australia, one wonders if fans will have to look to film footage of his glory days to see their legendary hero on the pitch again.
Some like Bleacher Report's own Rob Gill have been quick to pounce on Wales and Lions head coach Warren Gatland for his choice. However, there is a note of raw emotion to many such arguments.
Mr. Gill's contentions regarding the traditions of Lions rugby betray a misunderstanding of the very forces that have forced Coach Gatland's hand.
The Lions tour is supposed to be about four nations coming together as one—the best of four nations taking on the rugby powerhouses every four years, playing attractive, winning rugby. For 125 years, the odd political decision notwithstanding, it has largely met that criteria.
Mr. Gill is not alone in his feelings on the subject. Many in the British and Irish press are currently shouting themselves hoarse with rage, but there are sound reasons for this selection, both historical and tactical.
For starters, let's have a look at the notion that the Lions are "the best of four nations taking on the rugby powerhouses every four years, playing attractive, winning rugby."
First off, we'll t...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Rugby Union
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