O'Driscoll envious of Munster's glory

Brian O'Driscoll never meant any disrespect to Munster colleagues but he chose not to watch last Saturday's European Cup final. It was part circumstance, part envy. At least Leinster fans will be pleased to know their team are still smarting.

With the province not in action, and O'Driscoll nursing a bicep injury, last week was one of those rare non-rugby gaps in the 27-year-old's calendar. So he disappeared off the radar. Destination anywhere.

"I was away (abroad) for the weekend and in our hotel they didn't have Sky (Sports) in the room. I would have had to go down to a bar and watch it. If I was watching it I would have watched it on my own. I saw some of the highlights subsequently.

"I sent out my text messages before the game. I wanted the boys to win but it wasn't a case of I was going to be shouting at the telly. I would have wanted some of my friends to have won, of course, but I think you are very envious at the same time.

"I think it's a natural thing. That's not why I didn't watch the game. If I had Sky I would have turned it on."

Leinster travel to Edinburgh this Friday with aspirations of clinching the Celtic League title from underneath Ulster's nose. Much like the recent defeat to Cardiff at the Millennium Stadium, the match will take place at a largely empty Murrayfield.

If Leinster win and Ulster slip up away to the Ospreys then the honours go to Dublin.

Ulster's 12-all draw with Llanelli last Friday leaves the door open for O'Driscoll to lift his second piece of silverware this season. He didn't take in the Ulster game either but a message from home made him aware that Leinster's season remained alive.

"To be honest I don't watch any rugby really. There would be times past when I would be interested in watching Super 14, loving that brand (of rugby). Watching Tri-Nations, certain games in England. I really watch no rugby now. I prefer to watch football."

This attitude is not unusual among professional sports people. Considering they must tune in for a weekly video session, watching their profession as a leisurely activity can feel too much like homework.

Friday night also provides the Irish captain with an essential run out before facing New Zealand in the first of two Tests at Waikato Stadium, Hamilton on June 10th. Warren Gatland country.

"You need to be as fresh going down to a tour like that as you possibly can so freshness for me means getting away from the game. Getting away from Dublin. From Ireland. Just trying to switch off completely."

Twelve months is a long time in a rugby player's career. O'Driscoll returns to the country that was earmarked as the scene for his finest hour. Instead he was nosed-dived into the turf before the battle began to crackle. The subsequent fall-out has been documented at length.

Although lessons have been learned from the Lions experience, the upcoming tour is not a revenge crusade. It's about Ireland somehow gaining parity in an highly intimidating environment.

The fact that O'Driscoll and Paul O'Connell - notable absentees from the autumn nightmare and recently labelled indispensable by Eddie O'Sullivan - have a point to prove in New Zealand also helps. The Southern Hemisphere public have yet to witness an Irish team with these two at full throttle.

"We know it's an incredibly tough place to go down and win but if we play well, enjoy ourselves down there and express some of the rugby we played in the Six Nations we've got an opportunity against any side.

"We just have to hope the Blacks have an off day because that is the gulf between them and pretty much the rest of the world at the moment."