The New Zealanders on Rugby's subreddit have had an interesting debate on how good Brian O'Driscoll was, and asked the ultimate question:
If Brian O'Driscoll was from New Zealand; Would he be an All Black?
Brian O'Driscoll made his Ireland debut in 1999. At the same time, the centres for New Zealand included Pita Alatini, Daryl Gibson, and Alama Ieremia. New Zealand legend Tana Umaga had been stashed out on the wing, while Munster's future All Black Christian Cullen played some tests from the outside centre position.
The New Zealanders on reddit had their say, and it's fair to say that O'Driscoll's biggest barrier was his nemesis from the 2005 Lions tour - Tana Umaga
Some think that Umaga and O'Driscoll would have made a great partnership. At the very least a backline that would have incorporated both players:
Others think that Umaga would have kept O'Driscoll out until his retirement in 2005 despite his IRB player of the year nominations in 2000 and 2001. Although there is a hint of some provincial rivalry coming into the selections, much like in Ireland:
Australians were unequivocal in their thought process.
Others thought he would have been untouchable as an All Black.
Less sure, but with luck and injuries, you'd think he'd get a cap if Conrad Smith, Tana Umaga or Ma'a Nonu were injured.
Others put too much thought into things:
Others went for some crazy and interesting ideas:
It caused quite a debate:
But these were agreed, Conrad Smith would be the biggest loser:
Others thought that the more things change, the more they'd stay the same.
But not everyone was pleased with the idea:
