O'Driscoll relishing captaincy role

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2005

DUNEDIN, New Zealand (AFP) — British and Irish Lions captain Brian O'Driscoll is relishing his role as "prefect" on the New Zealand tour as he aims to ensure a united squad ahead of the first Test in Christchurch next week.

O'Driscoll is on his second tour with the Lions and with the captain's job thrust upon him by Clive Woodward, the 26-year-old Irishman is enjoying being the teams "go-to" guy.

The departure of Lawrence Dallaglio due to injury has been a blow to the Lions and especially to O'Driscoll, who was counting on the vast experience of the Englishman on the three-Test tour.

But the players have warmed to their skipper and go to O'Driscoll with their hopes and fears and simple questions about the tour, some of which O'Driscoll admits are "a bit...