WHILE THE VAST majority of those at the Aviva Stadium will have a heavy heart saying goodbye to captain Paul O’Connell on his final home game for his country, there are a few who’ll be dancing inside.
Welsh skills coach Neil Jenkins says that while the rugby fan inside him may be sad to see O’Connell prepare to depart the international stage, the Welshman in him will be rubbing his hands with joy.
Asked whether or not he’ll be glad to see the back of the Irish captain in an international shirt, Jenkins joked: “Yes and no!”
“I think that being selfish, yes, because he’s an incredible rugby player and he’s been huge for the game, certainly in Ireland.”
Jenkins never faced the Toulon-bound second-row in a test match as a player, but he’s come across O’Connell several times since, both as an opponent with Wales, or in his roles with the British and Irish Lions.
“I’ve been lucky enough just to be involved with him, watching him, (when I was) working with the kickers on the Lions for the last two tours.
“An incredible person, absolutely unbelievable rugby player, knows the game inside-out, does his homework and seems to know the opposition inside-out as well.”
However, with plenty to prove after their defeat to Ireland three weeks ago, Jenkins is planning to put sentiment aside for a couple of hours this afternoon, and is hoping Wales can dampen the mood for the Irish fans.
“It’s going to be pretty emotional tomorrow for him, and maybe most of the fans. From our perspective we respect that he’s a fantastic rugby player but we’d like to spoil his party tomorrow if we could.”
