Lions 2013: Warren Gatland defends Brian O'Driscoll decision 
By Bryn Palmer BBC Sport in Sydney British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland says he used his "head not his heart" in deciding to drop Brian O'Driscoll.
The Irish veteran's absence from Saturday's series decider against Australia has drawn strong criticism.
"When I go back to the UK and say 'Did I make the decision because I believed it was right? Or did I make it because it was the right political decision?'" said Gatland, "I can put my hand on my heart and say I think it is the right rugby decision."
Brian O'Driscoll's Lions record 
Tours: 4 (2001, 2005, 2009, 2013) Matches: 18 (8 Tests) Tries: 9 (1 in Tests) Captain: 7 times (1 Test) Test record: 2 wins, 6 defeats O'Driscoll, 34, was expected to take over the captaincy in the absence of the injured Sam Warburton, but failed to even make the match-day 23.
Fit-again Welsh centre Jamie Roberts joins compatriot Jonathan Davies in midfield, with Manu Tuilagi providing back-up on the bench.
"It is only hard because you are making the decision by using your head and not your heart," added Gatland.
"Then you realise what comes of making a decision like that is all the periphery stuff, not the rugby decision, because it becomes a major story for 48 hours and a big debate.
"That is the process I have gone through.
"But I would hate to think we made calls based on trying to avoid any criticism or [gain] public popularity."
While O'Driscoll has almost certainly played his last game in a Lions shirt at the end of his fourth and final tour, Gatland was reluctant to indulge in tributes to a player who has opted to continue his career with Leinster and Ireland for another year.
"He is not finished yet!" the New Zealander said. "He has been a big part of this tour.
Brian O'Driscoll's Lions record Tours: 4 (2001, 2005, 2009, 2013) Matches: 18 (8 Tests) Tries: 9 (1 in Tests) Captain: 7 times (1 Test) Test record: 2 wins, 6 defeats O'Driscoll, 34, was expected to take over the captaincy in the absence of the injured Sam Warburton, but failed to even make the match-day 23.
Fit-again Welsh centre Jamie Roberts joins compatriot Jonathan Davies in midfield, with Manu Tuilagi providing back-up on the bench.
"It is only hard because you are making the decision by using your head and not your heart," added Gatland.
"Then you realise what comes of making a decision like that is all the periphery stuff, not the rugby decision, because it becomes a major story for 48 hours and a big debate.
"That is the process I have gone through.
"But I would hate to think we made calls based on trying to avoid any criticism or [gain] public popularity."
While O'Driscoll has almost certainly played his last game in a Lions shirt at the end of his fourth and final tour, Gatland was reluctant to indulge in tributes to a player who has opted to continue his career with Leinster and Ireland for another year.
"He is not finished yet!" the New Zealander said. "He has been a big part of this tour.
Tours: 4 (2001, 2005, 2009, 2013) Matches: 18 (8 Tests) Tries: 9 (1 in Tests) Captain: 7 times (1 Test) Test record: 2 wins, 6 defeats O'Driscoll, 34, was expected to take over the captaincy in the absence of the injured Sam Warburton, but failed to even make the match-day 23. Fit-again Welsh centre Jamie Roberts joins compatriot Jonathan Davies in midfield, with Manu Tuilagi providing back-up on the bench. "It is only hard because you are making the decision by using your head and not your heart," added Gatland. "Then you realise what comes of making a decision like that is all the periphery stuff, not the rugby decision, because it becomes a major story for 48 hours and a big debate. "That is the process I have gone through. "But I would hate to think we made calls based on trying to avoid any criticism or [gain] public popularity." While O'Driscoll has almost certainly played his last game in a Lions shirt at the end of his fourth and final tour, Gatland was reluctant to indulge in tributes to a player who has opted to continue his career with Leinster and Ireland for another year. "He is not finished yet!" the New Zealander said. "He has been a big part of this tour.
