O'Driscoll: Nerves keep your mind sharp

When Brian O'Driscoll joins the ranks of rugby's Test centurions on Sunday he will be afflicted by the same nerves that marked his debut.

Ireland's opening autumn international against Australia at Croke Park heralds the arrival of another special milestone for their enduringly brilliant captain. With 93 Ireland caps and six Test appearances for the Lions in the bank, O'Driscoll will become the 11th player to achieve the century when he faces the Wallabies.

"I was really looking forward to my first cap (in 1999) and didn't start feeling nervous until the fireworks went off when Australia came onto the pitch," said O'Driscoll. "Once the whistle went for the start of the game all those nerves evaporated. I still have those nerves - if you don't the mind isn't sharp."

He added: "You have to be on the ball against Australia, so if you're eating your pre-match meal without any problem then there's an issue there.

"You need to be forcing your food down. The butterflies focus the mind and get you ready for combat."