Regardless of what happens on Saturday, the decision by Warren Gatland to end Brian O’Driscoll’s Lions career in the stands will be one of the most controversial calls in Lions history.

The Lions head-coach delivered the hugely surprising news this morning that not only was he out of the team for the third Test, but that he would not even make the bench, meaning the Leinster man was dropped from a starting line-up for the first time in his 14 years as a professional. Considering many – including ourselves – thought he was the most likely man to take over the captaincy – the news has sent ripples through the sporting world. Here is a flavour of the reaction and it would be fair to say that not many are backing Gatland’s decision to favour Jonathan Davies, one of 10 Welshmen in the starting line-up, to get the nod for the number 13 jersey and leave BOD sitting in the stands.

Fair play to Brian O'Driscoll - just been dropped from Lions squad but still turns up to train local kids pic.twitter.com/nfDyDgDVzB — Dan Roan (@danroan) July 3, 2013

 

Lions team info. Sorry but you have just handed to series to Australia. 7 chances and still no real match winner — David Campese (@Davidcampese11) July 3, 2013

 

Sport can be cruel and nobody will feel that more so than Brian O'Driscoll this morning, gutted for him #TopPro #Lions — Karl Lacey (@KarlLacey4) July 3, 2013

 

Easy knowing things are getting serious in the GAA Championships, Gatland is even naming dummy teams now. #bod — Gordon Manning (@Gordon_Manning) July 3, 2013

 

Those saying BOD is not "in form" should consider that he's made the most tackles without a miss in this Test Series. 23 tackles. No misses. — Conor McNamara (@ConorMcNamaraIE) July 3, 2013

 

Some Kiwi lady has just placed a very large bet on Australia to win the series with the Lions! pic.twitter.com/EWbzsDsrmd — Paddy Power (@paddypower) July 3, 2013

 

Shocked at @BrianODriscoll omission. Thought he was outstanding in the tour so far. Legend is a word used way too much. He truly is one. — Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) July 3, 2013

 

The stats are in! 89% of @QantasWallabies Twitter followers disagree with the @lionsofficial decision to drop Brian O'Driscoll. #LionsTour — Qantas Wallabies (@QantasWallabies) July 3, 2013

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