Ireland v New Zealand: Brian O’Driscoll eyes elusive Kiwi win

Brian O’Driscoll heads into his final clash with New Zealand this weekend claiming he can beat the All Blacks for the first time in his career.

Ireland’s record try-scorer has played the world champions 13 times in total, including the 2005 tour with the British & Irish Lions, but never come out on top.

There have been some close calls for the Six Nations record try-scorer, namely the 22-19 defeat in Christchurch last summer.

But the 34-year-old wants to end his time with Ireland with a win notched up against New Zealand – and Sunday’s clash in Dublin 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.”