BOD’S JERSEY BOYS

FROM BACK PAGE Lions on the eve of this morning’s First Test against the All Blacks. He spelled out the size of achievement it would be to become the first Lions team since 1971 to beat New Zealand.

“Brian spoke about the scale of the match and the opportunity this group has to make history in one of the most famous jerseys,” said a Lions spokesman.

“He explained what the Lions means to him and what it means to everyone at home.” Gatland’s choice of O’Driscoll sends a powerful message to the All Blacks, who are big favourites to win today at Eden Park, where they have not lost since 1994, and the series.

It confirmed the Lions to be a united force that even Gatland dropping the Irish legend from the series decider in 2013 cannot break.

It was also a declaration to the Kiwis, who spear-tackled O’Driscoll in 2005, that the Lions have unfinished business.