John Hayes pips Brian O'Driscoll to 100 Ireland caps

Wednesday 24 February 2010
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Six Nations > Ireland

Ireland prop John Hayes has denied Brian O'Driscoll setting another international record by becoming the country's first player to win 100 caps.

The Munster tight head prop will reach the milestone against England, leaving O'Driscoll just two caps away from his own personal century.

According to 36-year-old Hayes, he never envisaged himself reaching the milestone, particularly as the years began to pass by, but good form and a lack of injuries has ensured he has the longevity to always put himself in contention.

"I feel as good as I've ever done. If I stay injury-free I don't see why I shouldn't continue playing. There's no secret, just luck. It might be that I came to rugby late," he said.

Meanwhile, this Saturday's opposition have already given a rallying cry, with England's Mark Cueto calling for the home side to show guts and keep their Six Nations hopes alive, while also aiming to bring his eight-game try drought to an end.

Posted by Ben Welch