Henshaw turns to BOD for tips on Lions success

ROBBIE Henshaw will be armed with words of wisdom from former Lions captain Brian O’Driscoll as he hones in on succeeding Jamie Roberts in the No.12 jersey when the Lions face New Zealand.

Ireland star Henshaw is competing with England pair Owen Farrell and Ben Te’o to be at inside-centre against the All Blacks.

Wales ace Roberts filled the role for the best of British rugby against South Africa in 2009 and was earmarked for it against Australia four years ago.

A hamstring injury kept him out of the opening two Tests but he returned for the record win over the Wallabies in the decider at the expense of O’Driscoll, with Jonathan Davies switching to outside-centre.

Roberts had hoped to be picked for a third Lions tour but missed out on selection after being dropped by Wales last autumn and failing to make their starting line-up in the Six Nations.

And it’s Henshaw who could fill the ballcarrying role in midfield.

Henshaw is among an 11-strong Irish contingent in Lions head coach Warren Gatland’s 41-man squad for a demanding assignment headlined by three Tests against the world champion All Blacks.

Ex-Ireland skipper O’Driscoll led the Lions on their last New Zealand mission 12 years ago, but his Test series lasted only a few minutes after he was speartackled, suffering a dislocated shoulder and spending several months sidelined.

O’Driscoll went on four successive Lions tours between 2001 and 2013, playing in eight Tests, and his experience and knowledge is key for a firsttimer like Ireland and Leinster centre Henshaw.

“I had a brief chat with Brian O’Driscoll a few weeks ago, just caught up with him to see how he’s getting on and staying in touch with him a little bit,” Henshaw said.

“It was good to pick his brain a little bit in terms of his experience.

“I was looking at his past tours, and he’s been on four, which is an incredible amount. He’s good to go to for a few tips and to get his experience on it.

“He said, ‘Step out of your comfort zone, enjoy it and just go out and play, do your best. It’s a massive privilege to be involved in a tour, so don’t let is pass you by’. He said, ‘Just back yourself ’.

“I remember getting up incredibly early for the last Lions tour of New Zealand, watching those games. The Australia tour, the South Africa tour, I remember them all.

“The earliest memories are probably when Keith Wood was playing, I can’t tell you what age I was. I was pretty young. My uncle (David Henshaw) played with Keith, so I remember pinpointing him on the team and remembering him.

“It is an unbelievable experience (to be involved with the Lions), and it’s a privilege to be involved here. When it gets down to it, I am really looking forward to getting on the pitch with the boys and doing what we do best.

“I am here to back myself to go on and try and get into the Test team. I will do the best I can to put my hand up for selection. Just train away, put in the hard work now, focus on the now and what happens with selection happens.

“If I get my chance, I will do my best to perform. I am feeling pretty fit.”