Ireland lock Donncha O’Callaghan issued a warning to those writing off Lions captain Paul O’Connell that they do so at their peril heading into the RBS 6 Nations clash against Wales.
The Irish lineout has long been considered one of the most solid in world rugby but has faltered in the 2011 Six Nations with O’Callaghan and O’Connell losing three out of nine of their own throws against Murrayfield.
Having become an institution in an Irish shirt since 2003, O’Connell has suddenly found his starting berth questioned by some critics.
But O’Callaghan has backed his long-time Munster teammate to respond in style against Scotland.
He said: “I wouldn’t even question any of Paul’s calls. I’d say if you went up to the video analysis room now, he’d be looking at Wales’ line-outs from 1922 or something like that.
“The lineout is turning into an art form. It’s coming down to a thing you really need to study.
“We’re lucky with the lineout leaders we have. You need a few chiefs and Indians.
“I’m an Indian when it comes to O’Connell. He gives me my role and I perform it or else I get my head knocked off.
