Shanklin salutes Ireland captain

Tom Shanklin readily admits Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll possesses ‘the complete game’.

But the Wales centre is hardly in poor form himself heading into Saturday's RBS 6 Nations title decider at the Millennium Stadium.

Shanklin started three of Wales' first four Six Nations games this season - and his overall impact has proved significant.

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He scored a try in the opener against Scotland, was then Wales' best player during a 21-16 loss to France, before performing a super-sub's role in Rome by claiming the winning try eight minutes from time against Italy.

Shanklin, a key part of Wales' 2005 and 2008 Grand Slam campaigns, has now been preferred to his Cardiff Blues midfield colleague Jamie Roberts for the Six Nations finale.

And not only will the 29-year-old renew his centre partnership of Wales' last two Grand Slam campaigns with Gavin Henson, he also finds himself opposite Irish talisman O'Driscoll.

An Ireland victory would make O'Driscoll the country's first successful Grand Slam skipper for 61 years, while he is also front-runner for player-of-the-tournament honours.

Shanklin said: 'He is a tricky customer, a world-class player.

'He has got the complete game, really - he is a great attacker, defender and captain. He's had a really good Six Nations.'

While Wales head coach Warren Gatland has willingly attempted to pile the pressure on Ireland this week, Shanklin accepts there will be two teams out there under an intense microscope.

He added: 'There is a bit of pressure on them, coming to Wales in the driving seat for the Grand Slam having not won it in 60-odd years.

'But there is also pressure on us. We are playing at home, playing to win the Triple Crown and playing to win the championship.'

Shanklin is among eight changes made by Gatland following Wales' below-par display in beating Italy last weekend, and he admitted: 'It was a nervous wait, really.

'I am absolutely delighted to be playing and, obviously, alongside Gavin. We all know what a great player he is.

'But, on the other hand, I feel for Jamie Roberts, who's a friend and team-mate and who has had a great Six Nations.'

Wales, though, have never lost a Six Nations game Shanklin and Henson have started together in midfield.

Their current tally stands at nine Tests undefeated - all five in the 2005 Grand Slam season, plus four of last season's all-conquering campaign.

And Gatland is looking forward to the centre pairing making its mark once more.

'It was a strong partnership last year, it went really well,' he said.

'Tom Shanklin has been our form centre this year in both attack and defence.

'Defence has been a real key for us. Midfield is a strength of the Irish, so we need a very strong defensive combination.

'There has been no concern over Gavin and his lack of rugby. He hasn't had a lot of rugby, although he played for 80 minutes last weekend.

'One of his strengths is his defence and he and Tom have played a lot together and done a lot for us.'

Ireland have held their last training session in Dublin before they fly out to Cardiff and there are no reports of any fresh injury concerns.